Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Looking for a delightful dessert to celebrate the holiday season? These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect addition to any festive table. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with juicy cherries, these bars bring holiday cheer with every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress! Here’s how to create this seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars blend a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and vibrant cherry topping. They’re easy to serve, making them ideal for holiday gatherings. These bars also offer a classic cheesecake taste in a portable, bite-sized form—perfect for a dessert platter!

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Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for added flavor)

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• Fresh mint leaves and powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
• Press the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, blending until smooth.

3. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
• Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.

4. Add the Cherry Topping

• Once the cheesecake layer has cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
• For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of powdered sugar.

5. Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
• Serve chilled, and watch your guests enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the bars cool fully before slicing; this will help maintain their shape.
• Customize the Topping: Swap cherries for strawberries or raspberries if preferred, or add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for holiday flair.

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Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Serving Tips

1. Chill Before Serving: After assembling the bars and adding the cherry topping, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. This helps the cheesecake set, making it easier to cut clean, even squares.
2. Use a Sharp Knife: To achieve neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For extra precision, you can also dip the knife in warm water before each slice.
3. Garnish Right Before Serving: If you’re using powdered sugar or fresh mint leaves for garnish, add them just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
4. Plate with Holiday Decor: For an extra festive touch, serve on a holiday-themed platter or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar around the edges for a “snowy” effect.

Storage Tips

Avoid Freezing with Garnish: If you’re adding powdered sugar or fresh mint leaves, wait until after thawing to add these garnishes for the best presentation.

Refrigerate for Freshness: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you’d like to make these bars ahead of time or store leftovers longer, they freeze very well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw Before Serving: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing will help maintain their creamy texture and fresh taste.

1. Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?
   Yes! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed vanilla wafers, Oreo cookies (with filling removed), or even a gingerbread cookie crust for a more festive holiday flavor.
2. What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
   No problem! You can use strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling instead. Alternatively, you could make a homemade fruit topping by cooking fresh or frozen berries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
3. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?
   It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest texture. However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese—just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
4. Why did my cheesecake layer crack after baking?
   Cracks can occur if the cheesecake layer is overbaked or cools too quickly. To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter and bake until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Also, let it cool gradually before refrigerating.

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