Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry pie topping for a festive and delicious dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 65 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Optional: ½ tsp almond extract for extra flavor
For Decoration (Optional):
- White chocolate shavings
- Festive sprinkles or edible glitter
- Crushed peppermint or mini candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a spoon or flat measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling across the surface and gently swirl with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect, or leave it as a topping.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggles. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks. Turn off the oven and leave the bars inside with the door slightly open for 10 minutes to help prevent cracks and promote a creamy texture.
- Chill and set: Remove the pan from the oven and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set the cheesecake bars.
- Slice and decorate: Lift the cheesecake out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges. Garnish with white chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint, or festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbake to avoid cracks in the cheesecake; the center should be slightly jiggly when done.
- Letting the bars cool in the oven with the door ajar helps maintain a creamy texture.
- Refrigerate thoroughly before slicing for best results.
- Optional almond extract can be added to the cherry topping for extra flavor.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars from the pan.
Keywords: Christmas, Cherry, Cheesecake Bars, Holiday Dessert, Festive Bars, Graham Cracker Crust
