If you’re on the hunt for the perfect festive treat, this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine creamy, dreamy cheesecake swirling with tangy cherry goodness on top of a buttery graham cracker crust—all topped off with colorful red and green sprinkles that bring that joyful holiday spirit to every bite. These bars are not only visually stunning but also delightfully rich and smooth, making them an unforgettable dessert for any Christmas celebration or cozy winter gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crumbly crust that adds texture to the luscious cheesecake filling and the vibrant cherry topping that bursts with flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The perfect foundation offering a buttery, crunchy base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and the cheesecake filling just right.
- Melted butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs, creating that classic crust texture.
- Cream cheese: Gives the cheesecake its velvety, rich consistency.
- Sour cream: Adds tangy smoothness to balance the sweetness.
- Eggs: Help the cheesecake set beautifully without cracking.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warm depth and enhances flavor.
- Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that complements cherries perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures the filling is silky smooth with no grit.
- Canned cherry pie filling: Brings that cheerful red color and juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry topping for perfect swirling and no runniness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the cherry flavor for a fresh, vibrant bite.
- Red and green sprinkles: Adds a festive, colorful finish perfect for holiday cheer.
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—this helps the bars release easily after baking. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together until the mixture holds together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your pan to create an even crust layer.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Then add sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until the batter turns creamy and luscious. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, blending just until combined to keep the filling light and silky.
Step 3: Assemble and Add Cherry Swirls
Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the canned cherry pie filling with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch until blended—this ensures the topping stays thick and doesn’t bleed too much into the cheesecake. Spoon this cherry mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, then use a knife to gently swirl the cherries into the batter for those beautiful marbled effects.
Step 4: Bake and Chill
Bake your masterpiece for 35 to 40 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly—that’s the sweet spot! Let the bars cool completely on the counter before placing them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Chilling them allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly for slicing.
Step 5: Add Festive Sprinkles and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the tops with red and green sprinkles. This not only makes the bars look gorgeous but also adds a touch of holiday whimsy to each bite.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the red and green sprinkles are a classic festive touch, you can also get creative with fresh cherries or a dollop of whipped cream. A little zest of lemon or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds can add an unexpected brightness and delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars shine as a stand-alone dessert but pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spicy mulled wine to warm up those chilly winter evenings. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette also complements the richness if you’re serving them as part of a holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack the bars in a decorative tin with parchment between layers. At parties, try serving them on a pretty platter with seasonal decorations like holly sprigs or cinnamon sticks to elevate the festive feel. Cutting bars with a warm knife ensures clean, elegant slices perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cheesecake bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. This means you can prep them ahead of time and relax while enjoying your holiday celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars well ahead, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar individually or freeze the whole pan (well wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake bars once chilled, reheating isn’t necessary—but if you like your cheesecake at room temperature, simply let the bars sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries make a wonderful substitution, just cook them down slightly with sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture of pie filling for the perfect swirl.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can omit the almond extract or substitute it with a little extra vanilla extract—your cheesecake will still taste amazing.
How do I get the swirls just right?
Spoon the cherry mixture in small dollops over the batter, then use a thin knife or skewer to gently drag through the layers in a swirling motion without mixing everything together.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crumb for the crust, and ensure your pie filling or cherry topping doesn’t contain gluten additives.
Is it okay if the cheesecake cracks?
A slight crack is fine and won’t affect the taste. To help prevent cracks, avoid overmixing eggs and bake until just set with a little jiggle in the center.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to holiday dessert. It’s festive, flavorful, and just downright irresistible! Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday party or enjoying a quiet winter evening at home, these bars deliver that perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and joyful cherry sweetness you’ll want to savor again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer swirled with luscious cherry pie filling. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these bars combine classic flavors with a colorful twist for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz 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 Topping
- 1 can (about 21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Red and green sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter, mixing until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix until fully incorporated and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the layers: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer. In a small bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch until blended. Spoon the cherry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Swirl the cherries: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cherry topping into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect, taking care not to over-swirl.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to fully set before slicing.
- Serve and garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle red and green festive sprinkles over the bars for a holiday touch. Use a warm knife to cut clean slices for the best presentation.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use an 8×12-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly to ensure the cheesecake is fully set.
- You can substitute homemade cherry topping if preferred for a fresher flavor.
- Cut bars with a warm knife to achieve smooth, clean edges and prevent cracking.
