These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are creamy, sweet, and full of holiday cheer. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to make for a crowd!

Introduction

If you’re looking for a festive dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a must-try! Creamy and delicious, with a graham cracker crust and a delightful cherry topping, these bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. They bring a pop of holiday red to your dessert table, making them ideal for any Christmas gathering. Not only are these bars easy to slice and serve, but they also capture the rich flavors of a traditional cheesecake in a convenient, handheld treat.

These bars are a wonderful choice for holiday potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering where you want to spread a little holiday cheer. With a hint of vanilla and a buttery graham cracker crust, these cheesecake bars are indulgent yet light enough for everyone to enjoy after a big holiday meal. Make them ahead, store them in the fridge, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready to serve when the festivities begin!

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer

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

For the Topping

• 1 can cherry pie filling (about 21 oz)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Make the cheesecake layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
5. Pour over the crust: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust, smoothing the top.
6. Bake the cheesecake layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and slightly golden around the edges. Allow it to cool completely.
7. Add the cherry topping: Once the cheesecake layer is fully cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
8. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

How to Prepare

This recipe begins by creating a simple graham cracker crust, which forms a buttery, crunchy base for the creamy cheesecake layer. Once baked, the cheesecake layer sets beautifully, allowing for easy slicing. The cherry topping adds a festive touch, while chilling in the fridge brings everything together, enhancing the flavors and making these bars perfect for serving.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Total time: Approximately 3 hours

Servings

This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on how you slice them.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pie filling?
   Yes, feel free to use blueberry, strawberry, or any other pie filling for a variation in flavor.
2. How do I store these bars?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
   Absolutely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   While full-fat cream cheese gives the best results, low-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter version.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made 1-2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a wonderful treat for the holiday season, combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with a delightful cherry topping that brings a festive pop of color. These bars are easy to prepare, serve, and enjoy, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or a dessert for family dinner. With their classic cheesecake flavor and convenient, sliceable form, these bars are sure to become a holiday tradition everyone will love!