15 Creamy Christmas Cheesecake Recipes to End Your Holiday Meal in Style: Festive Desserts for a Sweet Finale

15 Creamy Christmas Cheesecake Recipes to End Your Holiday Meal in Style: Festive Desserts for a Sweet Finale

15 Creamy Christmas Cheesecake Recipes to End Your Holiday Meal in Style: Festive Desserts for a Sweet Finale

A holiday meal isn't complete without cheesecake! I've got 15 recipes here including New York style, peppermint, eggnog and salted caramel for all the holiday cheesecakes. Choose one (or three, we won't tell you) and prepare for the joy in the air cheesecake brings everyone!

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1) Classic New York Cheesecake

a tall classic New York cheesecake on a white cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, one creamy slice removed, smooth golden top, on a festive table with greenery, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is the gold standard. The height, density, and creaminess is a benchmark to which all other slices will be compared to in silence.

a tall classic New York cheesecake on a white cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, one creamy slice removed, smooth golden top, on a festive table with greenery, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Classic New York Cheesecake

A buttery graham crust paired with a dense and rich New York-style cheesecake and a vanilla finish.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 32 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.25 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crumbs mixed with butter into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth and lump-free.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 65-70 minutes until the edges set and center barely jiggles.
  5. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside with the door cracked for an hour.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, before slicing.

Notes

A water bath helps prevent cracks if you have the time.

2) No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

a no-bake peppermint cheesecake on a red plate in a wide horizontal shot, crushed candy cane topping and a dark cookie crust, one slice cut, on a festive table with twinkle lights bokeh, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You don't need an oven, and they have a delightful peppermint flavor that will make you think of Christmas!

a no-bake peppermint cheesecake on a red plate in a wide horizontal shot, crushed candy cane topping and a dark cookie crust, one slice cut, on a festive table with twinkle lights bokeh, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake

A cool and fluffy no-bake cheesecake swirled with peppermint and crushed candy cane pieces.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Method
 

  1. Press the cookie crumbs and butter into a springform pan and chill while you work.
  2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  4. Fold the whipped cream and peppermint extract into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Fold in most of the candy canes, then spread over the crust.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours until firm, then top with remaining candy canes.

Notes

Add the candy cane topping right before serving so it stays crunchy.

3) Eggnog Cheesecake Delight

a creamy eggnog cheesecake on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, dusting of nutmeg and a smooth pale top, one slice removed, on a cozy holiday table with cinnamon sticks, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

It is like being wrapped up in the holidays with all the nutmeg and warm essence of eggnog poured into a smooth cheesecake.

a creamy eggnog cheesecake on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, dusting of nutmeg and a smooth pale top, one slice removed, on a cozy holiday table with cinnamon sticks, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Eggnog Cheesecake Delight

A creamy eggnog cheesecake with real eggnog and a touch of rum and nutmeg.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tbsp rum optional
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix in the eggnog, rum, and nutmeg until fully combined.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set in the center.
  5. Cool slowly in the turned-off oven with the door ajar.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours, then dust with nutmeg before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat eggnog for the richest, creamiest texture.

4) Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

a chocolate raspberry cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, glossy raspberry swirl top crowned with fresh raspberries, one slice cut, on an elegant holiday table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The combination of deep chocolate and bright raspberry feels romantic each time they are paired together.

a chocolate raspberry cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, glossy raspberry swirl top crowned with fresh raspberries, one slice cut, on an elegant holiday table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Rich chocolate cheesecake with a swirl of tart raspberry sauce on a chocolate cookie crust.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 8 oz dark chocolate melted
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the cookie crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then blend in the melted chocolate.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time until the batter is glossy.
  4. Pour over the crust, then dollop raspberry preserves on top and swirl with a knife.
  5. Bake 60-65 minutes until set, then cool in the oven with the door cracked.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours and crown with fresh raspberries before serving.

Notes

Warm the preserves slightly so they swirl more easily.

5) Gingerbread Crust Cheesecake

a cheesecake with a dark gingerbread crust on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, smooth creamy top and spiced crust edge, one slice removed, on a cozy holiday table with pine, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The crust is clearly the star of the show! It has that strong gingerbread flavor, and the spice cuts through the sweetness of the filling incredibly well.

a cheesecake with a dark gingerbread crust on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, smooth creamy top and spiced crust edge, one slice removed, on a cozy holiday table with pine, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Gingerbread Crust Cheesecake

Creamy vanilla cheesecake on a gently spiced gingerbread cookie crust.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups gingerbread cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground ginger

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the gingerbread crumbs and butter into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until perfectly smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and ginger.
  4. Pour the batter over the crust and smooth the top.
  5. Bake 60-65 minutes until the center is just set with a slight wobble.
  6. Cool gently, then chill at least 6 hours before slicing.

Notes

Press the crust up the sides a bit for a pretty gingerbread border.

6) Spiced Cranberry Cheesecake

a spiced cranberry cheesecake on a white plate in a wide horizontal shot, glossy ruby cranberry topping spilling over creamy edges, one slice cut, on a festive table with greenery, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

There is a nice balance in the richness and the warmth of the spices and the tartness of the cranberry.

a spiced cranberry cheesecake on a white plate in a wide horizontal shot, glossy ruby cranberry topping spilling over creamy edges, one slice cut, on a festive table with greenery, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spiced Cranberry Cheesecake

Cheesecake with spices and a shiny cranberry compote on top.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar for topping

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and cinnamon until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set.
  4. Simmer cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar and a splash of water until they burst and thicken.
  5. Cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door cracked, then chill 6 hours.
  6. Spoon the cooled cranberry compote over the top before serving.

Notes

Make the compote a day ahead so it has time to thicken.

7) Orange Liqueur Cheesecake

an orange liqueur cheesecake on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, bright orange zest curls on a smooth creamy top, one slice removed, on an elegant holiday table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bright citrus and a hint of orange liqueur makes this one feel a bit more sophisticated and glamorous.

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an orange liqueur cheesecake on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, bright orange zest curls on a smooth creamy top, one slice removed, on an elegant holiday table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Orange Liqueur Cheesecake

An orange liqueur infusion and some orange zest add a vibrant touch to this silky cheesecake.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup orange liqueur
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix in the orange liqueur, zest, and sour cream until silky.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set.
  5. Cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar to avoid cracks.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours, then garnish with extra zest before serving.

Notes

Candied orange peel on top makes a gorgeous finishing touch.

8) Turtle Cheesecake

a turtle cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, caramel and chocolate drizzle with toasted pecans piled on top, one slice cut, on a festive table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Just look at those layers of caramel, chocolate, and pecans! This dessert shamelessly does not hold back.

a turtle cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, caramel and chocolate drizzle with toasted pecans piled on top, one slice cut, on a festive table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Turtle Cheesecake

A rich cheesecake topped with caramel and chocolate drizzle and toasted pecans.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
  • 3/4 cup pecans toasted and chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the cookie crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until the center is just set.
  4. Cool in the oven with the door cracked, then chill at least 6 hours.
  5. Drizzle the chilled cheesecake generously with caramel and chocolate sauce.
  6. Shower the top with toasted pecans right before serving.

Notes

Toast the pecans first for a deeper, nuttier crunch.

9) Amaretto Cheesecake

an amaretto cheesecake on a white cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, toasted sliced almonds covering a smooth creamy top, one slice removed, on an elegant holiday table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

There is an elegant touch to each creamy bite with its hint of almond.

an amaretto cheesecake on a white cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, toasted sliced almonds covering a smooth creamy top, one slice removed, on an elegant holiday table, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Amaretto Cheesecake

A velvety cheesecake with amaretto and toasted sliced almonds on top.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups amaretti cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup amaretto
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the cookie crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Blend in the amaretto and almond extract until silky.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set.
  5. Cool gently in the oven, then chill at least 6 hours.
  6. Scatter toasted sliced almonds over the top before serving.

Notes

Go easy on the almond extract, a little goes a long way.

10) Irish Cream Cheesecake

an Irish cream cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, cocoa dusting and a chocolate cookie crust, one slice cut, on a cozy holiday table with candlelight, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This cake is smooth and boozy and a bit luxurious so it's the perfect treat to keep for after the kids go to sleep.

an Irish cream cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, cocoa dusting and a chocolate cookie crust, one slice cut, on a cozy holiday table with candlelight, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Irish Cream Cheesecake

A rich and creamy cheesecake with Irish cream liqueur and a chocolate cookie crust.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the cookie crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix in the Irish cream, sour cream, and cocoa until evenly blended.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set.
  5. Cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours, then dust with cocoa before serving.

Notes

A drizzle of chocolate ganache pushes it fully over the top.

11) White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

a white chocolate peppermint cheesecake on a red plate in a wide horizontal shot, crushed red and white candy cane topping over a creamy white surface, one slice cut, on a festive table with twinkle lights bokeh, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Imagine a candy cane, but even better! The white chocolate is creamy and the refreshing peppermint is even more delicious.

a white chocolate peppermint cheesecake on a red plate in a wide horizontal shot, crushed red and white candy cane topping over a creamy white surface, one slice cut, on a festive table with twinkle lights bokeh, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

A rich white chocolate cheesecake with a cool peppermint ribbon and bits of candy canes.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 8 oz white chocolate melted
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then blend in the melted white chocolate.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the peppermint extract.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set.
  5. Cool in the oven with the door cracked, then chill at least 6 hours.
  6. Scatter crushed candy canes over the top just before serving.

Notes

Add the candy canes last so they stay bright and crunchy.

12) Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Cheesecake and pumpkin pie? That's two of the top fall desserts swirled together into one beautiful pie!

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Pumpkin spice marbled pumpkin cheesecake also has a creamy texture.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time and the vanilla.
  3. Pour about two-thirds of the batter over the crust.
  4. Stir pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice into the remaining batter, then dollop it on top.
  5. Drag a knife through to create swirls, then bake 65-70 minutes until just set.
  6. Cool gently in the oven, then chill at least 6 hours before slicing.

Notes

Don't over-swirl, a few bold ribbons look prettier than a muddle.

13) Salted Caramel Cheesecake

a salted caramel cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, glossy caramel dripping down the sides with flaky salt on top, one slice cut, on an elegant holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

I love the pure dessert drama of sweet and salty caramel running down the side.

a salted caramel cheesecake on a dark plate in a wide horizontal shot, glossy caramel dripping down the sides with flaky salt on top, one slice cut, on an elegant holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

An extremely creamy cheesecake topped with a shiny salted caramel and slight sprinkle of salt.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix in the sour cream until silky, then pour over the crust.
  4. Bake 60-65 minutes until the center is just set, then cool in the oven with the door cracked.
  5. Chill at least 6 hours until completely firm.
  6. Pour salted caramel over the top and finish with a pinch of flaky salt before serving.

Notes

Let the caramel come to room temperature so it drips just right.

14) Red Velvet Cheesecake

a red velvet cheesecake on a white cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, deep crimson layer with white cream cheese swirl on top, one slice cut, on a festive table with greenery, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The vivid red cut against white cream cheese frosting is almost made for the holiday season.

a red velvet cheesecake on a white cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, deep crimson layer with white cream cheese swirl on top, one slice cut, on a festive table with greenery, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Red Velvet Cheesecake

A remarkable red velvet cheesecake featuring some cocoa and cream cheese frosting swirls.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the cookie crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  3. Mix in the cocoa, red food coloring, and vanilla until the batter is deep red.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 60-65 minutes until just set.
  5. Cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours, then swirl cream cheese frosting over the top before serving.

Notes

Gel food coloring gives the richest red without thinning the batter.

15) Chestnut Cheesecake Splendor

a chestnut cheesecake on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, dusting of powdered sugar over a smooth creamy top with candied chestnuts, one slice removed, on an elegant holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The sweet and nutty flavor of chestnut provides a cozy and old-world taste that you don't see with every flavor.

a chestnut cheesecake on a cake stand in a wide horizontal shot, dusting of powdered sugar over a smooth creamy top with candied chestnuts, one slice removed, on an elegant holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chestnut Cheesecake Splendor

A creamy cheesecakes featuring sweet chestnut puree and vanilla.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup sweet chestnut puree
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F and press the crust into a springform pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then blend in the chestnut puree.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the cream and vanilla.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake 65-70 minutes until just set in the center.
  5. Cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked.
  6. Chill at least 6 hours, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

A few candied chestnuts on top make it feel extra special.