Looking for a show-stopping dessert for the holiday season? This Christmas Berry Crumble Cheesecake is the perfect festive treat. It combines a buttery biscuit base, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, a juicy mixed berry layer, and a golden crumble topping that adds the perfect crunch.
Elegant yet comforting, this baked cheesecake is ideal for Christmas dinners, holiday parties, and winter celebrations. It’s rich, fruity, and beautifully balanced with hints of lemon and vanilla.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Berry Crumble Cheesecake
- Perfect holiday dessert with festive flavors
- Creamy baked cheesecake with a crunchy crumble topping
- Sweet and tangy berries add freshness
- Ideal make-ahead dessert for Christmas
- Looks impressive but easy to prepare
Recipe Overview
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American / British-Style
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Pan Size: 20cm (8-inch) springform tin
- Bake Time: 1 hour
- Chill Time: Minimum 8 hours
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 500g cream cheese or mascarpone, softened
- 150g double cream
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 100g sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- 100g plain flour
- 30g sugar
- 50g melted butter
Fruit Layer
- 200g mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Biscuit Base
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter and sugar until fully combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 20cm springform tin.
- Place in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
2️⃣ Make the Crumble Topping
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and melted butter.
- Mix until coarse, sandy crumbs form.
- Set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, double cream, plain flour, egg, vanilla extract, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix until smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- Scatter the mixed berries across the surface.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berries.
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 1 hour, until the top is golden brown and the center still has a slight wobble.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool in the tin for 2 hours.
6️⃣ Chill and Serve
- Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust with icing sugar and garnish with fresh berries for a festive presentation.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Do not overbake—the center should remain slightly soft
- Allow full chilling time for clean slices
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
- Frozen berries can be used without thawing
Storage Instructions
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days
- Best served chilled
- Not recommended for freezing due to the crumble topping
