If you’re dreaming of a dessert that perfectly blends festive cheer with creamy indulgence, let me introduce you to the Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars are a marvelous combination of buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and bright cherry bursts that paint every bite with holiday spirit. The cherry topping adds a delightful pop of color and flavor, making these bars not only delicious but also eye-catching on any dessert table. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply craving a seasonal treat, this recipe brings joy and sweetness together in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe relies on a handful of simple and essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor, texture, and festive look. From the crunchy crust to the creamy middle and the fruity cherry swirls, every component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the whole experience.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a buttery, crunchy base that holds the bars together and adds a classic flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both crust and filling to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients, creating that perfect firm foundation.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, delivering rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Large eggs: Add structure and moisture to the cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces warmth and depth to the cheesecake batter.
- Almond extract (optional): Offers a subtle nutty note that beautifully complements the cherries.
- Cherry pie filling: The festive topping that bursts with juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Holiday sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle (optional): Perfect finishing touches for extra festive appeal and texture contrast.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang to make removing the bars a breeze. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is moistened evenly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes; this quick bake ensures a sturdy crust that will hold up under the creamy filling without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
While your crust cools slightly, it’s time to whip up the luscious filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until the texture is smooth and velvety, making sure there are no lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and create a fluffy, creamy consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and, if using, a splash of almond extract for that special holiday twist.
Step 3: Assemble the bars
Pour your cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, spreading it out gently with a spatula. Then, spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the top. For a gorgeous marbled look, use the tip of a knife to swirl the cherries gently into the cream cheese. Alternatively, keep the cherries in clusters to enjoy bursts of fruity sweetness in every bite. This is where your bars start to get their festive personality.
Step 4: Bake and chill
Bake the assembled bars in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges have a slight golden tint and the center is just set but still has a slight wobble—it will firm up as it cools. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours. This chilling step is essential for clean slices and the perfect creamy texture.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the festive look and add texture contrast, sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles on top or drizzle melted white chocolate in elegant zigzags over the bars just before serving. Not only do these touches make the bars pop visually, but the white chocolate also adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the tart cherries and tangy cream cheese.
Side Dishes
Serve these cheesecake bars alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. If you want to add some brightness on the side, fresh mint leaves or a small bowl of mixed berries provide a refreshing balance and keep the presentation vibrant and holiday-ready.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, consider cutting the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arranging them on a festive platter sprinkled with edible gold dust or powdered sugar snowflakes. For a fun twist, layer the bars in clear jars alternating with whipped cream and berries for individual dessert parfaits that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is how well it keeps. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bars will retain their creamy texture and juicy cherry goodness, making them a perfect make-ahead treat during the busy holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months without losing any flavor or texture. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before serving.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine through without losing their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can bring a lovely natural tartness to the bars, but be sure to cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to replicate the thickened filling texture that holds up well in the baking process.
What can I substitute for the almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your favorite or you don’t have it on hand, simply omit it or use an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The recipe still tastes fantastic with just vanilla.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
To get those perfect clean edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a warm, damp cloth between each cut. This prevents sticky buildup and helps maintain the bars’ neat appearance.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses graham cracker crumbs, which typically contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the bars gluten-free without sacrificing the delicious crust texture.
Can I make these bars vegan?
While this recipe is designed with cream cheese and eggs, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and egg replacers. Keep in mind the texture might be different, but with some tweaks, it can still be a tasty plant-based holiday dessert.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough trying this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for your next holiday celebration or cozy night in. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, invites second helpings, and keeps that warm, festive feeling alive with every bite. So gather your ingredients, have some fun swirling cherries in creamy cheesecake, and enjoy the sweet magic these bars bring to your table!
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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus at least 3 hours chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling and luscious cherry pie topping. Perfectly swirled or clustered cherries add vibrant color and bursts of fruity flavor, making these bars an irresistible holiday treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- Holiday sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the top. For a marbled effect, gently swirl the cherries into the cheesecake batter using a knife. Alternatively, leave the cherry filling in clusters for pockets of fruit.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the cheesecake center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set before slicing into bars.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, optionally decorate the bars with holiday sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive touch.
Notes
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between each cut.
- These bars can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Allow sufficient chilling time for the bars to set properly before serving.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely complementary flavor to the cherry and cream cheese.
