Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly captures the festive spirit and delights every guest at your holiday gathering, look no further than this Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe. This show-stopping treat combines a buttery, crumbly base with a luscious, creamy filling bursting with aromatic spices and sweet dried fruits. It’s rich yet refreshing, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your Christmas table that’s both crowd-pleasing and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crisp digestive biscuit crust to the smooth cream cheese filling and the festive dried fruits and spices, everything works together harmoniously to make magic happen.

• Digestive biscuits: Crushed finely, they form the sturdy and flavorful base of the cheesecake.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with biscuit crumbs to bind the crust firmly.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient, providing creamy richness and tang.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering.
• Sour cream: Adds smoothness and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• Large eggs: Help set the filling with just the right texture.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
• Lemon zest: Offers a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy texture.
• Mixed dried fruits: Chopped and folded through the batter, they bring bursts of color and holiday cheer.
• Mixed spice blend: Brings classic Christmas aromas like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Heavy cream: Whipped for a light and fluffy topping.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the whipped cream and for a final dusting to add a delicate sweetness and festive look.

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 320°F. Line an 8 x 12 inch rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides so you can lift out the cheesecake easily once it’s baked and cooled. This simple step ensures a smooth removal and pristine edges.

Step 2: Make Crumb Crust

Place the digestive biscuits in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Pour these into a bowl and stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This mixture will create the buttery base that supports the creamy filling, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Step 3: Press and Chill Base

Press the biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. For best results, use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth and compact it. Pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling—this helps the base set perfectly and holds the cheesecake together beautifully.

Step 4: Beat Cream Cheese

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fully incorporated. The smoothness here guarantees a silky texture in your final cheesecake, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat the mixture until it looks glossy and smooth. These ingredients bring a balance of tangy richness and fresh citrus notes that brighten the dense cream cheese base.

Step 6: Incorporate Fruit and Spices

Gently fold the chopped mixed dried fruits and the mixed spice blend into the batter. This step distributes the comforting Christmas flavors evenly throughout the cheesecake, while the fruits add a delightful chewiness and burst of sweetness.

Step 7: Assemble Cheesecake

Pour the prepared filling over the chilled crust in your baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, then gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. This ensures a perfectly even and crack-free cheesecake slab.

Step 8: Bake Cheesecake

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-baking while the inside finishes cooking. This careful timing creates a perfect creamy texture without cracking.

Step 9: Cool in Oven

Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour to cool gradually. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture silky. Afterward, remove and let it cool to room temperature before moving on.

Step 10: Refrigerate to Set

Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This resting period allows it to fully set and develop its flavors, making slicing clean and easy.

Step 11: Prepare Whipped Cream and Serve

Whisk the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Slice the cheesecake into generous squares, top each with a dollop of the whipped cream, and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that classic snowy Christmas touch.

How to Serve Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe, try garnishing with a few extra dried fruits, chopped nuts, or fresh cranberries for added texture and color. A sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a festive feel and complement the creamy richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesecake slab with warm spiced mulled wine or a hot cup of coffee to enhance the holiday flavors. Light fruit salads or a citrus compote can add a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy base, balancing the richness delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your cheesecake slab on a festive wooden board or a decorative platter dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Slice into uniform squares and arrange them neatly with little festive ornaments or edible glitter for an eye-catching presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cheesecake slab is cooled and sliced, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to four days, making it perfect for holiday prep and leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake slab, uncut, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. This simple step brings out the flavors beautifully without compromising consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of dried fruit in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe by using your favorite dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, or figs. Just make sure they’re chopped finely to blend well with the batter.

What if I don’t have mixed spice blend? What can I use instead?

If you don’t have a ready mixed spice, you can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This DIY mix will keep the festive flavors intact and add warmth to the cheesecake perfectly.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to the filling. While you could substitute it with Greek yogurt, using sour cream will give you the best texture and flavor that truly makes this a Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe to remember.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The edges should be set and firm, while the center will still have a slight wobble—think gentle jiggle, not liquid. Overbaking can cause cracks, so it’s better to err on the side of underdone, especially since the cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free digestive biscuits or substitute with gluten-free graham crackers to keep the crust gluten-free. Ensure your dried fruits and spices don’t contain any additives with gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the warmth and joy of sharing a homemade Christmas Cheesecake Slab Recipe with loved ones during the holidays. It’s indulgent yet approachable, festive yet timeless—a dessert that invites smiles and sparks conversation. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this festive favorite your own tradition!

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