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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 39 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Prepare Cherry Swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch until fully blended and smooth.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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 8×12-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

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Find it online: https://safetydangerdefender.com/christmas-cherry-cheesecake-bars-recipe/