The holidays are filled with joy, sparkle, and unforgettable flavors — and this Christmas Sprinkle Cheesecake brings all of that together in one stunning dessert. It’s not just a treat, it’s a centerpiece. A silky-smooth, ultra-creamy cheesecake speckled with vibrant red and green jimmies, topped with fluffy whipped cream swirls, Christmas M&M’s, and a snowfall of festive sprinkles.
This isn’t your average cheesecake. This is holiday magic on a plate.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday dinner, a cozy Christmas Eve gathering, or just because you want to treat yourself (and you absolutely should), this recipe is about to become your new December tradition.
Why Christmas Sprinkle Cheesecake Deserves a Spot on Your Holiday Table
There are plenty of holiday desserts out there — from pies to cookies to cakes — but nothing grabs attention quite like a perfectly baked, beautifully decorated cheesecake.
Here’s why this one’s a must-bake:
- 🎄 It looks like Christmas: With red and green flecks inside and out, it’s visually stunning.
- 🍰 It’s creamy, smooth, and not too heavy: Thanks to the sour cream, the texture is rich without feeling dense.
- 💚 It’s make-ahead friendly: You can bake it the day before your event and decorate it right before serving.
- 🎉 It’s fun to make (and eat!): Folding in sprinkles, piping whipped cream, and adding candies? Sounds like holiday joy to us.
Let’s Talk Texture, Taste, and Festivity
Biting into this cheesecake is like unwrapping a gift — one that’s sweet, creamy, and full of surprise. The base is a buttery graham cracker crust, the filling is velvety and rich, and the red and green sprinkles scattered throughout give each slice a festive pop of color. The final decorations — whipped cream swirls, glossy M&M’s, and more sprinkles — create a dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Almost.
You’ll find it strikes that perfect balance of indulgence without overwhelming sweetness. The graham cracker crust adds a subtle crunch, the filling is smooth and not overly sugary, and the toppings bring just the right hit of whimsy and holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need – Simple, Classic, and Festive
Let’s break down everything you need to bring this Christmas cheesecake to life.
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
The crust should be golden, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup red & green jimmies sprinkles (not nonpareils — they bleed)
For the Decoration
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Red & green M&M’s
- Extra holiday sprinkles
Essential Tools for Cheesecake Success
You don’t need fancy gadgets, but the right tools help ensure success:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (optional for smoothing)
- Piping bag with star tip (for whipped cream swirls)
Choosing the Right Sprinkles: Yes, It Matters
One of the most important details? The sprinkles.
❌ Avoid:
- Nonpareils (tiny round balls) – These bleed color into the batter and can create a gray, muddy mess.
✅ Use:
- Jimmies – Long, soft sprinkles that hold their shape and color during baking. These are what give your cheesecake that festive confetti-like appearance inside the batter.
Look for classic Christmas blends with red, green, and a little white for the ultimate holiday vibe.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Cheesecake: Step-by-Step
This cheesecake may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Let’s break it down into each step with timing and helpful tips.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with a round piece of parchment paper. This helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
💡 Tip: Lightly grease the sides too for even easier slicing.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a measuring cup or a glass.
Bake the crust at 325°F (165°C) for 8 minutes, then let it cool completely.
🧈 Your base should be lightly golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl:
- Beat 24 oz of cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing on low after each addition.
- Add 1 cup sour cream and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps are hiding.
Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in ¾ cup red & green jimmies. Don’t overmix — we want those colors to stay bright and evenly distributed.
🎄 Your batter should look like edible holiday confetti.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Pour the batter over your cooled crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 55–65 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.
Step 6: Cool Slowly
This is KEY to avoiding cracks!
- Once baking is done, turn off the oven.
- Crack the door open and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour.
- Then remove from oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Finally, transfer to the fridge and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
❄️ This gradual cooling prevents cracking and helps the texture set perfectly.
Step 7: Decorate Like a Holiday Pro
Once your cheesecake is fully chilled and set, it’s time to have fun.
- Pipe tall swirls of whipped cream around the edge using a star tip.
- Press a red or green M&M onto each swirl.
- Sprinkle more festive jimmies and crushed candy pieces over the top.
💡 For extra sparkle, add edible glitter or crushed peppermint.
Serving Tips for Maximum WOW
When ready to serve:
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe clean between slices for a clean cut.
- Serve chilled.
- Garnish each slice with a bit more whipped cream if you’re feeling extra festive.
Pair this cheesecake with:
- Peppermint hot cocoa
- A glass of chilled milk
- Holiday spiced wine
- Christmas morning coffee
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
🎅 Make-Ahead: Bake the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Add whipped cream and candy right before serving.
🎁 Leftovers: Store slices covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze undecorated cheesecake slices tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Print
🎄 Christmas Sprinkle Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Category: Holiday Dessert / Cheesecake / Christmas Baking
Description
🎄🍰 Bringing pure holiday magic to your dessert table! This rich, silky-smooth cheesecake is packed with festive red & green sprinkles and finished with fluffy whipped cream and colorful candy for the ultimate Christmas celebration treat. ✨❤️💚
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
¾ cup red & green jimmies sprinkles (avoid nonpareils)
Whipped cream, for topping
Red & green M&M’s, for decorating
Extra Christmas sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. 🔥 ⏱️ 5 minutes
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. 🥣 ⏱️ 3 minutes
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. 🧈 ⏱️ 2 minutes
Bake the crust until lightly set, then remove from the oven and let cool completely. ❄️ ⏱️ 8 minutes
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. ✨ ⏱️ 3–4 minutes
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. 🥚 ⏱️ 2 minutes
Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. 🍦 ⏱️ 1 minute
Gently fold in the red & green sprinkles, keeping the batter light and airy. 🎄 ⏱️ 30 seconds
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top. 🍰 ⏱️ 1 minute
Bake until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. 🔥 ⏱️ 55–65 minutes
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside to prevent cracking. ⏳ ⏱️ 1 hour
Chill in the refrigerator until fully set. ❄️ ⏱️ 4 hours or overnight
Decorate with whipped cream swirls, red & green M&M’s, and extra sprinkles before serving. 🎉 ⏱️ 10 minutes
Notes
Use jimmies sprinkles only—nonpareils tend to bleed color into the batter.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth, crack-free cheesecake.
Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added to keep the texture creamy, not dense.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to prevent surface cracks.
Decorate just before serving so the whipped cream stays fluffy and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: ~420 kcal
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
🧁 Cheesecake cracked?
- It’s still delicious. Cover the crack with whipped cream — no one will know.
🌡️ Overbaked?
- It’ll be drier than ideal. Pull it when the center still jiggles slightly.
🌈 Colors bleeding?
- You likely used nonpareils. Stick to jimmies next time!
Why This Dessert Will Be Remembered
This isn’t just a cheesecake. It’s a moment. It’s what your guests will talk about on the drive home. It’s what your kids will ask for next year. It’s a dessert that tastes like the holidays feel — warm, exciting, joyful, and filled with love.
If you make just one dessert this Christmas, make it this one. ❤️💚
Similar recipes :
Cool Whip Christmas Crinkle Cookies – A Festive Treat Straight from the Heart🎄
🎄 Christmas Trash (Sweet & Salty Holiday Bark) – The Ultimate Reindeer Crack Recipe ❤️💚
🎄 No-Bake Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe: A Sprinkle-Filled Holiday Delight!
5 Festive FAQs About Christmas Sprinkle Cheesecake
1. Can I use a different crust, like Oreos or gingersnaps?
Absolutely! A crushed gingersnap crust adds a spicy warmth, and Oreos make it richer. Just keep the butter ratio similar.
2. Can I add other mix-ins to the cheesecake?
Yes! Mini white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies would add great flavor and texture — just don’t overload the batter.
3. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a deep pie dish or 9×9 square pan, but serving slices will be harder. A springform gives that clean release.
4. Is it okay to use Cool Whip instead of fresh whipped cream?
Yes! Especially if you need it to hold up longer at room temp. For the freshest taste, homemade whipped cream is best.
5. How do I make this cheesecake even more festive?
Try using candy cane pieces, edible glitter, or even piping a green wreath of frosting on top. Let your imagination go wild!
