White Chocolate Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust

This White Chocolate Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust is a delightful fusion of creamy richness and spicy warmth, perfect for those seeking a unique dessert experience. The gingerbread crust adds an irresistible festive touch, making it particularly suited for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The white chocolate filling is luxuriously smooth, complemented by the tang of cream cheese and a hint of vanilla. Topped with cranberries and rosemary, this cheesecake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. With a balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors, it's a dessert that is sure to impress. The cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some patience as it bakes to perfection. This recipe yields 8 generous servings, ideal for a family dessert or a small party. It can also be prepared in advance and stored, allowing more time to focus on other aspects of your event. The addition of piparkūkas—a traditional spiced cookie—brings an authentic touch to the crust, grounding the dish in a sense of tradition while embracing modern flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

**50 g** butter
**150 g** gingerbread cookies (piparkūkas)
**300 g** white chocolate chips or bar
**400 g** cream cheese
**150 ml** sour cream
**2** eggs
**1 tsp** vanilla extract

Decoration

Cranberries
Powdered sugar
Rosemary sprigs
Whole gingerbread cookies

Preparation Time

Total Time: **400 minutes** (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Grease a 20 cm diameter cake tin with butter and line the sides with baking paper.
Melt the butter and mix it with the finely crushed gingerbread cookies to form your crust.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake tin. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Using a double boiler, melt the white chocolate carefully, ensuring the water does not touch the chocolate.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
Slowly fold in the melted white chocolate, mixing until the filling is smooth and uniform.
Pour the creamy filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the cheesecake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake from the tin.
Allow the cheesecake to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight for best results.
For decoration, roll cranberries in powdered sugar to lightly coat them.
Arrange the sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs on top of the cheesecake. The rosemary adds a festive tree-like appearance.
Add whole gingerbread cookies around the edges or on top for an extra festive touch.

Tips

**Ensure** that no water gets into the chocolate while melting to avoid seizing.
Chill the **cheesecake** thoroughly before serving for clean slices.
Substitute gingerbread with graham crackers for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Calories: **450** kcal per serving
Protein: **8 g**
Fats: **35 g**
Carbohydrates: **25 g**

Variations

For a glutten-free version, use glutten-free gingerbread cookies or glutten-free graham crackers.
Opt for vegan cream cheese and chocolate for a dairy-free version.
Add a citrusy twist by incorporating orange zest into the filling.

Serving Suggestions

**Serve** with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea during colder months.
Decorate with edible gold leaf for a luxurious presentation at festive events.

Best Places

The Cheesecake Factory - Known for a wide variety of cheesecake flavors. Location: **Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, USA**.
Ladurée - Renowned for its pastries and elegant atmosphere. Location: **Champs-Élysées, Paris, France**.
Eileen's Special Cheesecake - Famous for creamy cheesecakes with unique flavors. Location: **Little Italy, New York City, USA**.
Bake - A quaint spot specializing in freshly baked cheesecakes. Location: **Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan**.
La Viña - Celebrated for its Basque-style cheesecakes. Location: **Old Town, San Sebastián, Spain**.
Pai Thai - Offers a fusion of Thai cuisine and desserts. Location: **Al Qasr, Dubai, UAE**.
Guschlbauer Bakery - Known for its soft-layered cheesecakes. Location: **Central District, Hong Kong**.
Le Meurice - A luxurious dining experience with elegant desserts. Location: **Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France**.
Chizu - Combines Japanese and Western cheesecake methods. Location: **Orchard Road, Singapore**.
Café Frida - Offers Mexican-inspired cheesecake. Location: **Uptown, Chicago, USA**.