Jolly Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet, creamy Christmas cherry cheesecake bars melt hearts during holiday gatherings.

Rich cream cheese blends perfectly with tart cherries in this festive dessert.

Layers of buttery graham cracker crust provide a delightful crunch beneath smooth cheesecake filling.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

The vibrant red cherries add a stunning visual pop against the white cheesecake backdrop.

Elegant yet simple, these bars bring warmth and joy to any seasonal celebration.

Prepare to delight your loved ones with this irresistible Christmas treat that transforms ordinary moments into memorable experiences.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 17

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bar: Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, buttery foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake layer with a delightful texture and classic dessert flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients, creating a cohesive and delectable base.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensures the crust holds together and creates a rich, golden-brown texture when baked.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, luxurious base of the cheesecake with its tangy and rich flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and provides perfect sweetness throughout the filling.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling together and give the cheesecake its signature creamy, stable texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting depth and enhances the overall dessert flavor.
• Almond Extract: Introduces a subtle, nutty undertone that elevates the classic cheesecake taste.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Delivers a vibrant, sweet-tart festive touch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Provides a pop of color and refreshing herbal note to complement the rich dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates an elegant, snowy finish that adds a delicate sweetness and festive appearance.

Tools That Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating the bar base and ensuring even baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and clean slicing of cheesecake bars.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading crust, filling, and cherry topping evenly.
• Cooling rack: Allows cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature before chilling.

How to Bake Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars from Scratch

• Create Crumbly Base

Crush graham crackers into fine powder and mix with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating a smooth foundation for your delightful dessert.

• Whip Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually adding eggs and sweet flavors. Ensure the mixture becomes light and fluffy with no lumpy spots.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour cheesecake mixture over prepared crust. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until edges turn golden and center looks slightly firm but still jiggly.

• Dress with Cherry Delight

After cooling completely, spread vibrant cherry topping across the surface. Sprinkle powdered sugar for a festive winter touch.

• Chill and Slice

Refrigerate bars for several hours to help them set. Cut into neat squares and serve chilled for a mouthwatering holiday treat that’ll make everyone smile.

Flavor Tips and Festive Touches for Cheesecake Bars

• Mix up your holiday dessert with these tasty tips and twists!
• Use room temperature cream cheese and beat it slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky smooth cheesecake filling every single time.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on deliciousness.
• These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, storing perfectly covered in the refrigerator – perfect for holiday meal planning and reducing last-minute stress.
• Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry for a personalized seasonal twist that matches your holiday color scheme.
• Get creative with toppings by adding white chocolate drizzle, toasted sliced almonds, or creating a festive pattern with additional cherry pie filling for extra visual appeal.

Serving Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars That Impress

• Holiday Party Showcase: Arrange bars on a festive platter with sparkling decorative holly leaves for a stunning Christmas dessert centerpiece.
• Elegant Gifting: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with red ribbon for charming homemade food gifts that spread delightful seasonal cheer.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement these sweet bars with warm mulled wine, hot spiced cider, or rich dark coffee to enhance the cherry and cream flavors.
• Elegant Plating: Dust bars with extra powdered sugar, add a small mint sprig, and place on white porcelain plates for sophisticated dessert presentation.

Chill and Store Cherry Cheesecake Bars Without Losing Texture

• Cut bars into uniform squares using a clean, sharp knife wiped between each slice for pristine presentation.
• Keep cheesecake bars in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, where they'll stay fresh for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. These delightful treats can be frozen up to 2 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Always store these cherry delights in the refrigerator below 40°F to maintain optimal texture and prevent bacterial growth, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries work, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a similar consistency to pie filling. Drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bars.

• How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and don’t overbake. Let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize cracking.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with sweet cherry topping in a delightful holiday dessert. Homemade bars offer rich flavor and elegant presentation for seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (75 mL) cold salted butter, cubed
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup (40 g) green candied cherries, chopped
• ¼ cup (40 g) red candied cherries, chopped

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan to create a golden, compact base that will support the creamy filling.
2. Batter Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, blending in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to craft a luscious cheesecake mixture with harmonious flavor profiles and a luxurious texture.
3. Baking Process: Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the cheesecake develops a light golden surface with a subtle jiggle at the center, indicating a perfectly set custard-like consistency.
4. Cooling and Topping: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then generously spread cherry pie filling across the surface, creating a vibrant crimson layer that promises a burst of festive fruity sweetness.
5. Finishing Touch: Dust the entire surface with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a light, wintry accent to the rich dessert.
6. Serving Preparation: Refrigerate the bars for several hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set firmly, then slice into elegant squares that showcase the beautiful stratification of crust, creamy filling, and glossy cherry topping.

Notes

• Control Crumb Consistency: Pulse graham crackers to a fine, even texture for a compact, stable crust that won’t crumble when slicing the bars.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing to create a smooth, crack-free surface that looks professionally prepared.
• Manage Moisture Balance: Drain cherry pie filling slightly to prevent excess liquid from seeping into the cheesecake layer, maintaining a clean, distinct texture between layers.
• Optimize Chilling Time: Allow bars to refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, enabling complete flavor melding and ensuring a firm, sliceable consistency that holds its shape perfectly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg