Christmas Cheesecake: A Festive and Creamy Holiday Dessert

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. If you’re looking to elevate your Christmas dessert spread, a Christmas Cheesecake is the perfect choice. This creamy, indulgent dessert is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face with its stunning red, white, and green striped filling, making it as festive as it is delicious. The cheesecake has a smooth, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, chocolatey Oreo crust, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in each bite. Whether served at your family’s Christmas dinner or as a special treat for guests, this cheesecake will surely be the star of the holiday dessert table.

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cheesecake

What makes this cheesecake so irresistible? For starters, it’s a rich and creamy dessert with a perfectly crumbly Oreo crust that adds a delicious crunch to each bite. The bright, festive colors of the filling instantly create a visual appeal, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings. The use of both vanilla and peppermint extract adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile, while the sour cream gives the filling a silky smooth texture. The best part is that the cheesecake is not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps to achieve a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this Christmas cheesecake, you’ll need a few key ingredients for both the crust and the creamy filling.

For the Oreo Crust:

• 24 Oreo cookies (whole with the filling)
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter

The crust is made from crushed Oreo cookies combined with melted butter. The cookies provide a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. You’ll pulse the cookies in a food processor to create fine crumbs, then mix them with the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan, and place it in the freezer to firm up while you prepare the filling.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 32 oz. cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
• 1 ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla or peppermint extract
• 4 eggs (slightly beaten)
• 1 cup sour cream
• Red and green food coloring

The filling is made from a combination of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, which provide the rich, smooth base of the cheesecake. The addition of vanilla or peppermint extract gives it a delightful holiday flavor. Sour cream is incorporated for its tangy undertones, adding depth to the filling. The red and green food coloring will give the cheesecake its signature striped appearance, making it a fun and festive dessert for the holidays.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation process. This cheesecake may seem like an intimidating dessert to make, but with clear instructions and a little patience, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and delicious treat that will impress your guests.

1. Prepare the Pan
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a deep 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. To prevent water from seeping into the cheesecake while it’s baking, wrap the springform pan in two layers of aluminum foil. This will ensure a leak-proof pan when it’s placed in the water bath during baking.
2. Make the Oreo Crust
   In a food processor, pulse the whole Oreo cookies (with the filling) until they are finely crushed into crumbs. Add the melted butter to the crumbs and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Place the pan in the freezer to firm the crust while you make the filling.
3. Prepare the Filling
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the peppermint extract (or vanilla extract, depending on your preference) and mix. Beat in the slightly beaten eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as it can lead to cracks in the cheesecake during baking. Once the eggs are incorporated, fold in the sour cream, which will help create a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Color the Batter
   Now, it’s time to make the cheesecake festive! Divide the batter into two equal portions. Leave one half of the batter white. In the second half, divide the batter into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other. Stir until you achieve the desired shades of red and green. The batter should be thick but pourable—if it’s too thick, you can add a little milk to loosen it up.
5. Layer the Stripes
   To create the striped effect, start with a small amount of white batter and pour it into the center of the crust. Next, pour a small amount of green batter on top of the white, followed by more white, then red, and so on. The key is to pour the batter in concentric circles, alternating the colors as you go. If the batter is a bit thick and doesn’t spread easily, gently shake the pan to help it spread out. Continue layering until all of the batter has been used.
6. Bake the Cheesecake
   Carefully transfer the springform pan to a large roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath will help the cheesecake bake evenly and prevent cracking. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 90-110 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional hour to cool gradually.
7. Cool and Chill
   After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove it from the water bath and place it on the counter to cool at room temperature. Once it has cooled completely, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to firm up.
8. Finish the Cheesecake
   Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, carefully remove the foil and the ring of the springform pan. Run a thin metal spatula around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the bottom of the pan, and then transfer it to a serving plate. For an extra touch, you can garnish the top of the cheesecake with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or festive sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, but there are plenty of ways to make it even more festive and enjoyable. Serve it as-is for a creamy, decadent dessert that will be the highlight of your holiday meal. Alternatively, you can top it with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor. Pair it with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a chilled glass of spiced cider to complete the holiday experience.

Tips and Variations

• Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving. It’s the perfect dessert for a stress-free holiday meal.
• Flavor Variations: If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can easily swap the peppermint extract for vanilla extract or another flavor of your choice. You can also experiment with different food coloring combinations to match your holiday theme.
• Crust Substitutes: If you prefer a different crust, you can use graham cracker crumbs or a gingerbread cookie crust for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cheesecake is a deliciously creamy, visually stunning dessert that captures the spirit of the season. The rich filling and festive stripes make it an irresistible treat, while the Oreo crust adds the perfect touch of chocolatey crunch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a special dessert to enjoy with your family, this cheesecake is sure to make your Christmas celebration even more memorable. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and endless possibilities for customization, this cheesecake is a must-try holiday dessert that will delight both kids and adults alike.