If you are looking for a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, the Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe will absolutely steal the show. These bars blend a buttery graham cracker crust with a luxuriously creamy cheesecake layer, all swirled with vibrant, tangy cherry pie filling. Finished with playful red and green sprinkles, they are both a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate, making them the ultimate holiday dessert to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe has a special role, whether it’s to add texture, flavor, or that perfect tangy balance. The list is straightforward but essential for creating those luscious layers and festive colors.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide the classic crunchy base that supports the creamy cheesecake above.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and cheesecake filling without overpowering the flavors.
- Melted butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs for a sturdy, flavorful crust.
- Cream cheese: Delivers the rich, creamy texture that’s central to cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Help set the cheesecake layers while keeping them silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cheesecake’s flavor.
- Almond extract: Offers a hint of nutty fragrance that elevates the cherry’s aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Smoothly sweetens the filling without graininess.
- Canned cherry pie filling: Gives the bars their iconic cherry swirl and festive red hue.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry topping for perfect swirls and no leaking juices.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the cherry filling with a fresh, citrus zing.
- Red and green sprinkles: Add a joyful splash of holiday color right before serving.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Then mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan; pressing well ensures a crust that holds together when you cut into the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Beat the cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth, then add the sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. This combination creates a tangy-sweet base bursting with flavor and surprisingly light texture for cheesecake. Beat in the eggs one by one, just enough to combine without overmixing so your bars stay silky and tender.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl the Cherry Topping
Pour the creamy cheesecake batter evenly over your prepared crust. In a small bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch for added brightness and thickness. Spoon dollops of this cherry mixture on top, then gently swirl it into the cheesecake layer with a knife to get those beautiful marbled patterns that make each bite exciting.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes. The key is to pull them out once the center is just set but still slightly jiggly—this gives the perfect creamy texture after cooling. Don’t rush the cooling step; completely cool the pan and then chill the bars for at least 3 hours to let the flavors develop and the texture firm up beautifully.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the bars with red and green sprinkles to add a festive sparkle that’s visually irresistible. These little pops of color instantly transform the dessert into a holiday showstopper perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars shine on their own, but you can pair them with simple sides like a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add an extra layer of creamy indulgence. Fresh berries also pair wonderfully by adding a bit of tart freshness that complements the cherry topping.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these bars into a centerpiece by arranging them on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or edible flowers for an elegant holiday display. For parties, serve them on mini dessert plates with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar to keep things merry and bright.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for busy holiday schedules.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge so they retain their creamy texture and delicious flavors.
Reheating
While these bars are best served chilled, if you want a softer texture, briefly warm them at room temperature or for a few seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat or the cheesecake may become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries make a fantastic alternative. Just cook them down with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to create a thick topping that swirls nicely in your bars.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can omit almond extract if needed; the vanilla extract will still provide plenty of lovely flavor. However, a small touch of almond extract really enhances the cherry brightness.
Is it necessary to chill the bars for several hours?
Chilling is crucial. It helps the cheesecake set firmly and allows the flavors to meld for that perfect texture and taste when sliced.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
Use a warm knife, wiping it clean between cuts. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking and keeps your slices looking neat and polished.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust, ensuring the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of biting into a slice of these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe during the holiday season. Their combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and festive elements makes them an instant favorite that everyone will ask to make again year after year. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share the love this season!
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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer swirled with sweet cherry pie filling. The bars are baked to perfection, chilled for a refreshing finish, and adorned with red and green sprinkles for a holiday touch. Perfect as a delightful dessert during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 large eggs
Cherry Swirl
- 1 1/2 cups canned cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Decoration
- Red and green sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then mix until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, blending just until incorporated for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula to create a smooth top layer.
- Prepare Cherry Swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch until fully blended and smooth.
- Add Cherry Topping and Swirl: Spoon the cherry mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the cherry topping into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until well chilled and set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the top with red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday look. Use a warm knife to slice the bars cleanly into 16 pieces.
Notes
- For thicker cheesecake bars, use an 8Ă—12-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly; check doneness by the center’s slight jiggle.
- You can substitute homemade cherry topping if preferred for a fresher flavor.
- Cutting the bars with a warm, clean knife yields the best, neat slices.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly, but this will affect the sweetness balance with the cherry topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
