Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars: Delicious Holiday Dessert

The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your guests and add a touch of festive flair to your celebrations, Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect choice. These bars offer a wonderful balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors, topped with a cherry pie filling that adds a burst of color and taste. They are the ideal treat for Christmas parties, family dinners, or any holiday occasion.

These cheesecake bars are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them a hassle-free yet impressive dessert option. The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy base, while the creamy cheesecake filling is rich, smooth, and perfectly complemented by the sweet cherry topping. Whether you are a baking expert or a beginner in the kitchen, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about making these delightful Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars, from the ingredients and directions to tips, benefits, and even answers to frequently asked questions. So, let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Before you begin preparing your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars, make sure to gather all the ingredients. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• 1 package graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Topping:

• 1 can cherry pie filling

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The graham cracker crumbs and butter form a crumbly, flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy cheesecake filling. The filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, creating a smooth, tangy, and indulgent treat. The cherry topping adds a festive touch, visually brightening up the dessert with its vibrant red color and providing a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the creamy filling.

Directions for Making Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to begin the process of making these delicious cheesecake bars. Follow the steps below for a foolproof method that guarantees the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

The first step in creating these cheesecake bars is to make the graham cracker crust. This is a simple process that adds a nice crunchy texture to the bottom of the bars.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until the crumbs are completely coated in butter. The mixture should be slightly moist but not overly soggy.

Next, take the graham cracker mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of a baking dish. You want the crust to cover the entire bottom, so press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even layer.

Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. This short baking time helps set the crust, giving it a slight crispness while preventing it from becoming too soft. Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the crust is cooling, it’s time to prepare the cheesecake filling. This filling is the heart of the cheesecake bars, providing that creamy, luscious texture that everyone loves.

Start by placing the softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until smooth and well combined. This step helps to break up any lumps in the cream cheese and ensures a velvety-smooth texture.

Once the cream cheese and sugar are blended, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.

Next, add the vanilla extract and sour cream. The vanilla extract will enhance the flavor of the filling, while the sour cream adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the sugar and cream cheese. Mix everything together until the filling is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars

With the graham cracker crust cooled and the cheesecake filling ready, it’s time to assemble the bars.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the crust, making sure it covers the entire surface. Once the filling is evenly spread, place the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake the cheesecake bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the center is set and the top is slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure that they don’t overcook.

Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. This will help the filling set and allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping

Once the cheesecake bars have cooled to room temperature, it’s time to add the cherry topping. This is where the festive element comes into play, as the red cherries provide a beautiful pop of color and a sweet, tangy flavor.

Open the can of cherry pie filling and carefully spread it over the top of the cooled cheesecake filling. You can either spread the cherries evenly across the surface or pile them up in the center for a more dramatic effect.

After adding the cherry topping, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best texture and flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheesecake bars have chilled, they are ready to be served. Cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars are rich and creamy, making them the perfect bite-sized dessert to enjoy at any holiday gathering.

Serve the bars chilled, and watch them disappear as guests enjoy the sweet, creamy, and festive flavors. These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

Prep Time:

The preparation time for these cheesecake bars is around 20-25 minutes. This includes the time needed to prepare the graham cracker crust, make the cheesecake filling, and assemble the bars before baking.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for these bars is approximately 35-40 minutes. The crust bakes for 8 minutes, and the cheesecake filling bakes for 25-30 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bars to ensure they are not overcooked.

Total Time:

From start to finish, these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars will take about 3 hours. This includes the preparation, baking, and chilling time. While there is some waiting involved, the result is well worth the time and effort.

Kcal per Serving

Each serving of these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars contains approximately 250-300 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but these bars are a deliciously indulgent treat without being overly heavy. With their rich and creamy texture, they provide a satisfying dessert that won’t leave you feeling too full.

Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

To ensure that your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in the filling, making it difficult to achieve a smooth texture. Let it sit out for 30-60 minutes before beginning your recipe.

Don’t Skip the Chilling Step:

After adding the cherry topping, it’s essential to refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours. This will allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together, resulting in the perfect texture and flavor.

Customize the Topping:

While the cherry topping is a classic choice for these bars, feel free to experiment with other fruit toppings. Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries can all work beautifully as alternatives, depending on your personal preferences. You could also top the bars with whipped cream or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.

Make Them Gluten-Free:

If you’re serving guests who need a gluten-free option, you can easily make these cheesecake bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Just check the ingredients on the package to ensure they’re truly gluten-free.

Benefits of Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

While they may not be a health food, these cheesecake bars do offer a few benefits that make them a worthwhile treat:

• Rich in Protein: The cream cheese and eggs in these bars provide a good source of protein, which helps to keep you feeling satisfied and full.
• Indulgent but Balanced: The combination of the creamy filling, sweet cherries, and crunchy crust creates a balanced dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or toppings to make these bars fit different dietary preferences or tastes.

FAQs About Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

1. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. After preparing and chilling the bars, simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead of pie filling. Simply pit and chop the cherries, then combine them with some sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade topping. Cook the mixture on the stove until it thickens before adding it to the bars.

3. How long do these cheesecake bars last in the fridge?

These bars will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

4. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to 2 months. After baking and cooling, cut the bars into individual servings and freeze them in an airtight container. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the festive flavor of sweet cherries. With a simple graham cracker crust, a smooth and tangy filling, and a cherry topping that’s both beautiful and delicious, these bars are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. The recipe is easy to follow and yields a dessert that looks as great as it tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these bars are an excellent addition to your holiday dessert table.

So, next time you’re in search of a show-stopping, festive dessert, look no further than these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. With their irresistible flavor and eye-catching appearance, they will quickly become a family favorite for many holidays to come.