Name: Delightful Winter Berry Cheesecake Recipe for Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 5 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 g graham crackers or digestive biscuits (crushed); 90 g unsalted butter (melted); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 500 g cream cheese (softened); 150 g caster sugar; 3 large eggs; 200 ml sour cream; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cups mixed berries (cranberries, raspberries, blackberries); 50 g sugar; 2 tbsp orange juice; 1 tbsp water; 1 tsp cornflour (mixed with 1 tsp water)

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Winter Berry Cheesecake is a celebration of the season — creamy, decadent, and crowned with jewel-toned berries glistening in a ruby-red glaze. This delightful dessert is perfect for any holiday gathering, providing a rich, smooth vanilla cheesecake base that melts in your mouth. The combination of tangy winter berries adds a refreshing contrast, making it an excellent choice for a festive table or cozy dinner party. With its elegance and color, this cheesecake will surely bring warmth to your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Berry Cheesecake

This winter berry dessert offers many reasons to fall in love with it. First, it’s incredibly creamy and rich, making it the perfect indulgence during the holiday season. Second, the vibrant colors of the seasonal berries create an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table. Third, it’s versatile enough to be served at various events, whether a Christmas gathering or a New Year’s soirée. Fourth, the recipe is easy to follow, making it an easy winter berry cheesecake recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Fifth, it caters to vegetarian diets, making it inclusive for guests. Lastly, the combination of flavors in this cheesecake with winter berries is simply unforgettable, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Winter Berry Cheesecake

Gather these items:

200 g graham crackers or digestive biscuits (crushed)
90 g unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp brown sugar
500 g cream cheese (softened)
150 g caster sugar
3 large eggs
200 ml sour cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups mixed berries (cranberries, raspberries, blackberries)
50 g sugar
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp water
1 tsp cornflour (mixed with 1 tsp water)

How to Make Winter Berry Cheesecake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease and line the base of a 9-inch springform pan.
Step 2: Make the base: Combine crushed biscuits, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press into the pan base firmly and chill for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Bake: Pour filling over chilled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
Step 5: Cool gradually: Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then transfer to a rack and chill for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Step 6: Make the topping: In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and orange juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the berries soften. Stir in cornflour mixture and cook until thickened.
Step 7: Finish: Let the topping cool slightly, then spoon over the chilled cheesecake. Decorate with extra fresh berries or powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Winter Berry Cheesecake

Keep these in mind:

Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
Do not overbake; the center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out.
Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
For a twist, consider adding a hint of almond extract for extra flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Winter Berry Cheesecake

This berry topped cheesecake for winter can be served in several delightful ways. First, pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Second, serve alongside a warm cup of spiced cider to enhance the festive flavors. Lastly, garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness, making it a truly stunning presentation.

How to Store and Reheat Winter Berry Cheesecake

To store your cheesecake, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, this makes it an ideal holiday berry cheesecake recipe for gatherings. For reheating, serve it cold or allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps retain its creamy texture without compromising flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Berry Cheesecake

What’s the secret to perfect Winter Berry Cheesecake?

The secret lies in ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature, particularly the cream cheese. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth filling. Using fresh, seasonal berries enhances the taste and presentation, essential for a festive cheesecake with mixed berries source.

Can I make Winter Berry Cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this cheesecake a day in advance. In fact, chilling overnight improves the flavor and texture, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Winter Berry Cheesecake?

To avoid common mistakes, do not rush the cooling process. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door cracked for at least an hour to prevent cracks. Also, resist the urge to open the oven door while baking, as temperature fluctuations can affect the outcome.

Variations of Winter Berry Cheesecake You Can Try

Here are a few unique winter cheesecake variations to consider:

Substitute the mixed berries for a luscious decadent berry cheesecake for winter events using only cranberries or raspberries for a tart flavor.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the cheesecake filling for a rich twist.
Incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor profile, fitting for the cold season.

Delightful Winter Berry Cheesecake Recipe for Holidays

Author: basmer
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Winter Berry Cheesecake is a celebration of the season — creamy, decadent, and crowned with jewel-toned berries glistening in a ruby-red glaze. The smooth vanilla cheesecake base melts in your mouth, while the tangy winter berries add a refreshing contrast to the rich filling. Whether it’s a Christmas dessert table or a cozy dinner party, this showstopper cheesecake brings warmth, color, and elegance to any celebration.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease and line the base of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the base: Combine crushed biscuits, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press into the pan base firmly and chill for 15 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Bake: Pour filling over chilled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
Cool gradually: Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then transfer to a rack and chill for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Make the topping: In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and orange juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the berries soften. Stir in cornflour mixture and cook until thickened.
Finish: Let the topping cool slightly, then spoon over the chilled cheesecake. Decorate with extra fresh berries or powdered sugar before serving.