If you have been searching for a dessert that wows on every level, this Cranberry Cheesecake with White Chocolate Mousse and Sugared Cranberries Recipe is the answer you’ve been dreaming of. Picture a rich, creamy cheesecake swirled with tart cranberry filling, topped with luscious white chocolate mousse, and crowned with sparkling sugared cranberries and fragrant rosemary. This showstopping dessert is a festive celebration of flavors and textures that will have your friends and family begging for seconds every time you bring it to the table. It’s truly a masterpiece that turns any occasion into a special moment worth savoring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a layer of white granulated sugar at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of fresh red cranberries, some dusted heavily with sugar giving a frosted look, along with a silver spoon partially buried in the sugar and cranberries. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the unforgettable flavor and texture of the cheesecake. From the buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust to the tangy cranberry filling and silky mousse topping, every element harmonizes to elevate this dessert to a work of art.

Fresh or frozen cranberries: These bring that essential festive tartness and vibrant color to both the filling and sugared garnish.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and adds sweetness throughout the dessert.
Graham cracker crumbs: Form the buttery, crisp base crust that holds everything together.
Salted butter: Provides richness and helps the crust set beautifully.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient, delivering the quintessential creamy texture and tangy flavor in both the cheesecake and mousse.
All-purpose flour: Adds just enough structure to keep your cheesecake perfectly firm without being dense.
Sour cream and heavy cream: Boost the creaminess and smoothness in the cheesecake and mousse layers.
Vanilla extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that ties all the components together.
Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake filling and create that silky, luscious mouthfeel.
White chocolate: For the mousse layer, lending a sweet, velvety contrast to the tart cranberries.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mousse gently and ensures it whips up light and airy.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Add an unexpected aromatic twist to the sugared cranberries.

How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake with White Chocolate Mousse and Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Begin by cooking cranberries with sugar and water over medium heat, stirring often until the berries burst and form a luscious, jammy mixture. This filling provides that perfect balance of sweet and tart that will shine through in the cheesecake swirls. Once cooked, stir in vanilla extract and cool the mixture completely. You can even prepare this step days ahead, which makes your dessert planning much easier.

Step 2: Make the Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary

While the cranberry filling cools, quickly boil sugar and water to create a simple syrup. Soak whole cranberries briefly, then let them dry until tacky before tossing in sugar to create those delightful, sparkling sugared cranberries. Don’t forget to soak rosemary sprigs in the syrup too; their piney aroma adds a festive freshness that beautifully complements the cranberries.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Next up is the crust, where crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter come together to form a crunchy, buttery base. Press this mixture firmly into a springform pan, building it up just halfway up the sides for stability. A quick bake at 350°F helps set the crust so it stays crisp beneath the creamy filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Using softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla, whip up a smooth, velvety cheesecake batter. Add in the eggs carefully, one at a time, to keep the batter silky and prevent cracks. The batter is half-poured into the crust, followed by spoonfuls of the cranberry filling gently swirled in, then the rest of the batter, and more swirled cranberries on top. This layering creates gorgeous marbling, both tasty and visually captivating.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

With the oven lowered to 325°F, bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure gentle, even heat. The water bath is a secret to that smooth, crack-free surface we all adore. Once baked until just set around the edges with a little jiggle in the center, cool it slowly in the oven with the door cracked open before chilling thoroughly overnight to develop full flavor and perfect firmness.

Step 6: Make the White Chocolate Mousse

As your cheesecake chills, melt white chocolate gently and mix it into softened cream cheese for a dreamy base. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff, then carefully fold it into the white chocolate mixture, creating the mousse’s luscious, fluffy texture. This topping adds an elegant sweetness that beautifully offsets the cranberry’s tang.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

Release the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to your serving platter. Spread the white chocolate mousse evenly over the top, reaching all the edges. Finish this masterpiece by arranging sugared rosemary sprigs in a festive wreath around the border and piling a generous handful of sugared cranberries on top. The visual impact and flavor bursts are simply irresistible.

How to Serve Cranberry Cheesecake with White Chocolate Mousse and Sugared Cranberries Recipe

The image shows a round cake with a thick, golden brown base layer that looks soft and slightly crumbly. On top of the cake is a thick layer of white cream with a fluffy texture spread evenly. The cream is topped with frosted red cranberries and green rosemary sprigs, which add color and texture. The cake is placed on a white marble cake stand with a wooden pedestal, and the background is a white marbled surface scattered with a few cranberries and rosemary sprigs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, don’t skip the sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs; they create a sparkling, wintry effect that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few white chocolate shavings for extra elegance, making each slice feel like a luxurious treat.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake shines as a star dessert on its own, but if you want to make your table even more festive, offer light, fruity sides such as a simple mixed berry salad or a citrus sorbet. These fresh accompaniments bring a balance to the richness of the cheesecake and cleanse the palate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in clear dessert glasses with layers of cheesecake, mousse, and cranberry filling, topped with sugared cranberries and a rosemary sprig for an elegant touch. Alternatively, present slices on rustic wooden boards garnished with fresh cranberries and herbs for a cozy yet refined vibe. No matter the serving style, the colors and flavors will captivate every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cheesecake keeps beautifully for up to five days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the sugared cranberries and mousse-covered cheesecake chilled separately or ensure everything is tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent the sugared cranberries from absorbing moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain cheesecake (without the mousse and sugared cranberries) wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the mousse and decorations to preserve the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled cheesecake, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow slices to come to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to fully appreciate the creamy texture and nuanced flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh for both the filling and sugared garnishes. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

A springform pan is ideal because it allows easy removal of the cheesecake without damage. However, a regular cake pan lined with parchment can work—just be extra careful loosening the edges and slicing.

Can I make this cheesecake without the white chocolate mousse topping?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler dessert, the cranberry-swirl cheesecake alone is delicious. The mousse adds a wonderful richness, but the cheesecake is fantastic by itself too.

How long does it need to chill before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This resting time allows the filling to firm up perfectly.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You bet! The cranberry filling can be made up to two weeks in advance, and the sugared cranberries and rosemary can be made a few days ahead as well. This flexibility makes the dessert manageable even for busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress your guests with a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious, don’t hesitate to try this Cranberry Cheesecake with White Chocolate Mousse and Sugared Cranberries Recipe. Every step of the process fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and anticipation, and the final result is pure magic on a plate. Trust me, this cheesecake is destined to become your signature holiday treat everyone looks forward to year after year.