Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

The holiday season is all about joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats that bring people together. One of my favorite holiday desserts that encapsulates these sentiments is the Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. They are perfectly creamy, delightfully sweet, and bursting with flavor from the juicy cherries that crown each bar. Imagine biting into a velvety cheesecake layer, embraced by a buttery graham cracker crust. Doesn’t that sound heavenly?

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that cheesecake dates back to the ancient Greeks? They initially made it for athletes competing in the first Olympic Games! While the recipe has morphed and evolved over centuries, this modern festive twist is perfect for your holiday gatherings. Not only are these bars a treat for the eyes with their rich red cherry topping, but they are also remarkably simple to whip up, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking schedule. If you love easy recipes that impress, you’ll adore these bars, perhaps even more than classic Christmas cookies!

What are Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars?

Let’s dive into the whimsical world of Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars! The name may sound fancy, but it’s just as playful as it is festive. After all, who doesn’t love a dessert that doubles as a spectacular centerpiece? One might wonder, “Is it a cake? A bar?” Well, it’s both! These delectable squares blend the best of both worlds, marrying a creamy cheesecake filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust and a luscious cherry topping.

You might be surprised to learn that this treat is as much about joy as it is about flavor. After all, they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” And what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a plate full of these heavenly bars? So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a sweet culinary adventure with these cherry cheesecake bars that are sure to dazzle your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars:

These Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delight on multiple levels. Firstly, the creaminess of the cheesecake is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the cherry topping, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s delightfully addictive. Secondly, making these bars at home saves you money compared to purchasing premium desserts from bakeries, allowing you to create and share sweet memories without breaking the bank. Lastly, the bright red cherries topping the luscious cheesecake not only make this dessert a feast for the palate but also an eye-catching addition to your holiday spread. Similar to the ever-popular pumpkin pie, these bars are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and will have your guests coming back for seconds!

How to Make Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars:

Quick Overview

Creating these cherry cheesecake bars at home is a breeze! With just a short prep time of about 15 minutes and a baking time of around 30 minutes, you can have delectable treats ready to impress your loved ones. The combination of a delightful crust, creamy filling, and vibrant topping makes this recipe a true holiday winner!

Key Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• For the crust:

  • 1 and ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• For the cheesecake filling:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

• For the cherry topping:

  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
  • Optional: whipped cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, mixing until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.

2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing until well combined. Add in vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating until fully incorporated.

3. Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden on the edges.

5. Add the cherry topping: Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely. After it has cooled, spread the cherry pie filling generously over the cheesecake layer.

6. Chill and serve: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. Serve with whipped cream if desired!

What to Serve Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars With:

To elevate your holiday dessert spread, consider pairing these cheesecake bars with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate. For a more festive twist, serve alongside gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a array of flavors and textures. This dessert complements a variety of holiday treats, providing a balance of creamy and fruity tastes that everyone will appreciate.

Top Tips for Perfecting Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars:

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This will ensure a super smooth filling with no lumps!
• Don’t overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until combined to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Chill before serving: Allow these bars to set in the fridge for a few hours for optimal flavor and texture.
• Try different toppings: Experiment with blueberry pie filling or fresh strawberries for a colorful twist on the traditional!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

These Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for the holidays. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. For the best texture when reheating, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Delight in the festive spirit with these easy-to-make Cherry Cheesecake Bars! They’re the perfect sweet finish to any holiday gathering, and I can assure you, once they’re on your table, they won’t last long. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, let the holiday fun begin, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Deliciously creamy cheesecake bars topped with sweet cherry pie filling, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1.5 cups 1 and ½ cups graham cracker crumbs Use finely crushed graham crackers for best results.
• 0.5 cups ½ cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Ensure butter is fully melted.

For the cheesecake filling

• 16 ounces 16 ounces cream cheese, softened Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
• 1 cups 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract is recommended.
• 2 large 2 large eggs Ensure eggs are at room temperature.

For the cherry topping

• 1 can 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling Use your favorite cherry pie filling.
• Optional: whipped cream for serving Enhance the dessert with whipped cream.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, mixing until well combined.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.

Make the cheesecake filling

1. In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Add in vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating until fully incorporated.

Assemble and bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden on the edges.

Add the cherry topping

1. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. After it has cooled, spread the cherry pie filling generously over the cheesecake layer.

Chill and serve

1. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
2. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a super smooth filling. Don’t overmix when adding the eggs to avoid a rubbery texture. Try different toppings like blueberry pie filling or fresh strawberries.