Christmas Cheesecake

Vegetarian Christmas Cheesecake Recipe with Cream Cheese and Chocolate

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 12 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Christmas Cheesecake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This rich and creamy dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. With a chocolate crust and chocolate pieces mixed into the creamy cheesecake batter, this dessert is a chocolate lover's dream.

History

The origins of Christmas Cheesecake are not clear, but cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs has been a popular dessert choice in many cultures. The addition of chocolate pieces and a chocolate crust gives this classic dessert a festive twist perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

3 packages (8 oz or 227 g each) of cream cheese
1 cup of white sugar
6 large eggs
2 tsp of vanilla extract
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of chocolate pieces
1 graham cracker or chocolate crust

How to prepare

You can use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe. Egg substitute and sugar substitute may also be used. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating until smooth. Try not to beat any more than necessary to help reduce cracking.
Add the vanilla and sour cream, and beat until well combined.
Place the crust in a greased nine-inch spring-form pan. Pour the cheesecake batter over it.
Crush or break the chocolate pieces. It works better if they are crushed.
Add the crushed chocolate to the cheesecake batter and mix well. Bake in a preheated 300-degree oven for 10–12 minutes.
Then, turn the heat down to 200°C and bake for an hour. Depending on your oven, you might not want to bake it for the whole hour. You have to adjust the baking time at different temperatures to perfect this recipe for different ovens.
Let the cheesecake cool, then refrigerate for eight hours before serving. Cut into serving pieces with a chef's knife.

Variations

For a festive touch, add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract to the cheesecake batter.
Swap out the chocolate crust for a graham cracker crust for a classic cheesecake flavor.
Top the cheesecake with a layer of ganache or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter.

- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.

- Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.

- For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra decadent touch. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracking on the surface. Simply wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream in this recipe for a lighter version of Christmas Cheesecake.

- Swap out the chocolate pieces for white chocolate, nuts, or fruit for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cheesecake with a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate curls, or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation. Serve on a festive platter or cake stand for a stunning holiday dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Christmas Cheesecake with a glass of dessert wine, such as port or sherry, for a luxurious end to your holiday meal. Alternatively, serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Christmas Cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let the cheesecake come to room temperature before serving. Enjoy cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Cheesecake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Cheesecake contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Cheesecake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Cheesecake contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Cheesecake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Christmas Cheesecake contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream) and eggs.

Summary

Christmas Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat during the holiday season.

Summary

Christmas Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With a chocolate crust and chocolate pieces mixed into the creamy cheesecake batter, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this decadent treat with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Christmas Cheesecake. The holidays were always a special time in our household, filled with love, joy, and of course, delicious food. My grandmother, a skilled cook and baker, had passed down many recipes to me over the years, but this one was new and exciting.

It all started when I was a young girl, eager to learn as much as I could about cooking and baking. My grandmother, a wise and patient woman, would often let me help her in the kitchen as she prepared meals for our family. I watched in awe as she whipped up one delicious dish after another, always with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.

One day, as Christmas approached, my grandmother decided to try a new recipe for a special holiday dessert. She told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations, and that it was a tradition to make it every year for Christmas. I was intrigued and excited to learn more.

As my grandmother gathered the ingredients and began to explain the steps to me, I listened intently, eager to soak up every detail. The recipe called for a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling made with cream cheese and sugar, and a topping of sweet cherry pie filling. It sounded divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

I watched as my grandmother expertly mixed and poured the ingredients, her hands moving with precision and grace. She seemed to have a sixth sense in the kitchen, knowing exactly how much of each ingredient to add and when to bake the cheesecake to perfection.

As the cheesecake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the final product and see if it lived up to my grandmother's reputation as a master baker.

When the cheesecake was finally ready, my grandmother carefully removed it from the oven and let it cool on the counter. The sight of the golden crust and creamy filling was enough to make my heart skip a beat. I couldn't believe that I had helped to create something so beautiful and delicious.

As we sat down to enjoy our Christmas Cheesecake, I took a bite and savored the creamy texture and sweet flavor. It was everything I had hoped for and more, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. My grandmother smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride.

From that day on, Christmas Cheesecake became a staple in our holiday celebrations. Every year, my grandmother and I would gather in the kitchen to make this special dessert, sharing stories and laughter as we worked side by side. The recipe became a cherished tradition, a symbol of our love for each other and our shared passion for cooking.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and techniques. But no matter how many recipes I tried, Christmas Cheesecake always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the bond I shared with my grandmother and the joy of creating something beautiful together.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that they too will feel the sense of wonder and joy that I experienced when I first saw the recipe for Christmas Cheesecake. May it bring them closer to their loved ones and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. And may the tradition of baking together continue to bring us all closer as a family, one delicious bite at a time.