Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up these delightful christmas cherry cheesecake bars.

Layers of creamy richness promise a festive treat that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Crumbly graham cracker bases create the perfect foundation for this decadent dessert.

Bursts of bright cherries add unexpected vibrancy against the silky cream cheese backdrop.

Minimal ingredients combine to craft something truly magical for holiday gatherings.

Each slice promises a moment of pure indulgence that feels both comforting and elegant.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this spectacular seasonal sensation.

Why You Should Try Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Craft this dessert in under an hour with minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Blend rich, creamy cheesecake with sweet cherry topping, delivering a classic taste that appeals to all ages and palates.
• Prepare these bars in advance, refrigerate, and serve chilled- reducing holiday kitchen stress and allowing more time for family fun.

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Butter: Crumbly and sweet base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars. Graham crackers offer classic flavor and nice texture. Butter helps bind the crust together.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich base for creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese recommended for best results. Softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of cream cheese. Granulated white sugar works best.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set properly. Use large, fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Enhance flavor with warm, aromatic notes. Pure extracts offer more depth than imitation versions.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds festive color and sweet-tart fruity flavor. Canned filling provides convenience and consistent taste.
• Fresh Mint Leaves, Powdered Sugar: Optional garnish for visual appeal and extra touch of sweetness. Fresh mint adds a bright, seasonal accent.

Instructions to Bake Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this golden mixture firmly into the pan, creating a smooth, even layer. Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Magic

Grab a large bowl and beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Add sugar and continue mixing. Crack eggs one by one, stirring gently after each addition. Pour in vanilla and almond extracts, blending until the mixture looks like a dreamy, cloudlike filling.

Step 3: Layer and Bake the Delightful Bars

Gently pour the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a perfect blanket of cheesecake goodness. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for slight golden edges and a set center.

Step 4: Crown with Cherry Glamour

Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, unleash the festive magic. Spread cherry pie filling across the top, creating a vibrant ruby-red landscape. For extra holiday cheer, sprinkle some powdered sugar and add a few fresh mint leaves.

Step 5: Chill and Slice with Excitement

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors mingle and set. When ready, slice into perfect squares. Each bite promises a symphony of crunchy crust, creamy filling, and sweet cherry burst.

Tips for Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Customize Crust Crunch: Swap graham crackers with crushed gingersnaps or shortbread cookies for a unique texture and flavor twist.
• Soften Cream Cheese Smartly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and perfect creamy consistency.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Avoid overbeating eggs and bake in a water bath to create a silky, crack-free surface that looks professionally made.
• Control Cherry Spread: Drain excess liquid from cherry pie filling to prevent soggy bars and maintain a clean, vibrant topping that holds its shape.
• Make Ahead and Store: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making holiday entertaining stress-free and delicious.

Store and Reheat Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Properly

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover each layer with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For best results, consume within 24 hours after thawing.
• Warm slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.

What Goes Well with Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Riesling or Moscato perfectly complement the rich, creamy cheesecake with their light, fruity notes that balance the cherry's tartness.
• Champagne or prosecco add festive bubbles that cut through the cheesecake's richness while highlighting the cherry's brightness.
• Dark roast espresso or hazelnut coffee provide a robust contrast to the sweet, creamy dessert, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Chamomile or vanilla-infused tea offer a gentle, soothing backdrop that softens the cheesecake's intensity and cleanses the palate.

Ways to Personalize Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Bliss: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert.
• Vegan Cherry Dreamer: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu for a plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Sensation: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free cherry preserves to create a diabetes-friendly option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Tropical Cherry Adventure: Swap cherry pie filling with mango or passion fruit compote, adding a vibrant, exotic touch to the classic cheesecake bars while maintaining the creamy texture.

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic unfolds with these christmas cherry cheesecake bars, blending creamy richness and festive cherry swirls. Perfectly balanced layers promise delightful indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (75 milliliters) cold salted butter, cubed

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (40 grams) green candied cherries, chopped
• ¼ cup (40 grams) red candied cherries, chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking vessel to create a crisp, golden base.
2. Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating eggs and fragrant extracts to develop a silky, luxurious cheesecake batter with delicate undertones of vanilla and almond.
3. Gently cascade the creamy mixture over the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even distribution that promises a uniform texture throughout the dessert.
4. Slide the pan into a preheated oven, allowing the cheesecake to transform into a delicate, slightly golden landscape with a perfectly set interior that jiggles subtly when nudged.
5. After cooling completely, lavish the surface with a generous blanket of vibrant cherry pie filling, creating a festive crimson canvas that promises a burst of fruity sweetness.
6. Enhance the visual appeal by delicately scattering powdered sugar across the top, creating a wintry, snow-like dusting that complements the rich cherry hues.
7. Refrigerate the creation for several hours, allowing the layers to meld and set, then slice into elegant squares that reveal beautiful, distinct layers of buttery crust, creamy filling, and glossy cherry topping.

Notes

• Adapt the crust by using gluten-free graham crackers for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Experiment with different fruit toppings like raspberry or blueberry to create unique seasonal variations that keep the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Create a lighter version by using reduced-fat cream cheese and replacing some sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for a healthier alternative.
• Prevent cracking in the cheesecake layer by baking in a water bath and allowing the bars to cool gradually, which helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg