Christmas Cheesecake

This festive Christmas Cheesecake combines a classic creamy texture with a rich graham cracker crust, making it an ideal dessert for holiday celebrations. With its smooth, velvety filling and subtle sweetness, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit at your Christmas gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, making an even layer.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, flour, milk, and heavy cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an additional hour (do not open the oven door during this time).
8. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
9. Serve: After chilling, slice and serve. Enjoy the smooth, creamy cheesecake!

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour (plus cooling and chilling)

Total Time:

• 6 hours (including chilling)

Servings:

• 12 slices

Tips and Variations

• Topping Ideas: For a festive touch, you can top the cheesecake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
• Add Flavor: For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling or using flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut instead of vanilla.
• Crust Variations: You can replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingerbread cookies or even chocolate wafer cookies for a different flavor profile.

Storage

• Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cheesecake (without the topping) for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different crust? Yes, you can use a cookie crust (like Oreos) or a nut-based crust if you prefer.
2. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Yes, it’s best to make the cheesecake a day before and chill it overnight.
3. Can I substitute low-fat ingredients? While you can substitute lower-fat cream cheese or sour cream, the texture may not be as rich and creamy.
4. Why do I need to cool the cheesecake in the oven? Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
5. Can I bake this in a regular cake pan? Yes, but a springform pan is recommended because it makes it easier to remove the cheesecake.
6. Can I freeze cheesecake? Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake before adding any toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
7. Can I make a mini cheesecake version? Yes, use mini springform pans or muffin tins to make individual cheesecakes.
8. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake? Avoid overbaking, and let the cheesecake cool gradually. A water bath can also help.
9. Can I make this without eggs? You can try using egg substitutes, but the texture may be slightly different.
10. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a hand mixer works fine for this recipe; just make sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding other ingredients.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cheesecake is a creamy, indulgent dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. With a smooth, rich filling and a simple graham cracker crust, it’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Make it ahead of time, and chill it in the fridge for a treat everyone will love at your next holiday gathering!

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