If you’re searching for a festive dessert that delivers creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors all in one irresistible bite, the Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new holiday hero. These bars marry a buttery graham cracker crust with luscious cream cheese filling and bright cherry swirls that pop with just the right touch of tartness. They’re not only beautiful with their swirls of red cherries and a sprinkle of green and red toppings, but also delightfully easy to slice and share with family and friends during the most wonderful time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dessert lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role to create the rich texture, balanced sweetness, and festive colors. From the buttery graham cracker crust to the creamy cheesecake center and vibrant cherries, everything works together in delicious harmony.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a crunchy, buttery foundation that’s perfect for the crust.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
- Melted butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and gives it a rich, moist finish.
- Cream cheese: The star ingredient that creates a smooth and tangy cheesecake layer.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Eggs: Help set the cheesecake so it holds together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor into the cheesecake.
- Almond extract: Gives a subtle nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake while keeping its texture silky smooth.
- Canned cherry pie filling: Brings festive color and juicy bursts of fruit flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry topping to prevent it from sinking into the cheesecake.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the cherry topping with a touch of citrus zing.
- Red and green sprinkles: Add a playful and festive finishing touch to celebrate the season.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this evenly and firmly into the bottom of your pan to form the crust, which will be the delicious, crunchy base that holds everything together.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy—this is the key to a creamy cheesecake layer. Add the sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then mix until everything is fully combined and silky. Beat in the eggs one at a time, just until the batter is smooth and uniform; overmixing can cause cracks, so keep it gentle.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, combine the canned cherry pie filling with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch, stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Spoon dollops of this cherry topping over the cheesecake layer. With a butter knife, gently swirl the cherries into the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns that promise that signature cherry flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake and Chill
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle—this ensures the perfect creamy texture. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours so they can fully set and slice cleanly.
Step 5: Add Festive Finishing Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle red and green sprinkles generously over the top for a festive look that’s sure to wow your guests. This final flourish makes these bars a true holiday standout.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the red and green sprinkles bring a fun holiday vibe, you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh cherry on top to elevate the presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant snowy effect that complements the festive spirit beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine, which balances the creamy richness. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tart vinaigrette or fresh fruit to keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe on a festive platter lined with holly or evergreen sprigs for a seasonal touch. Cutting them into bite-sized squares or triangles makes them perfect for dessert buffets or holiday parties. Layering a bar with extra cherry topping and whipped cream in a clear glass creates an elegant parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bars tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them moist and flavorful. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy holiday weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze these cheesecake bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer, you can bring bars to room temperature by letting them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving, which softens the texture nicely without losing the creamy feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully but will need to be cooked down slightly with sugar and cornstarch to achieve the right consistency for swirling. This allows the topping to thicken and not sink into the cheesecake layer.
What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I leave it out?
Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you don’t have it on hand. The cheesecake will still be delicious with the vanilla flavor alone, though the almond adds a nice complementary note with the cherries.
How thick should I cut the bars?
Typically, these bars are cut into 16 pieces for a balanced serving size. You can cut smaller for bite-sized treats or larger if serving fewer people. Using a warm, sharp knife will ensure clean slices without cracking the cheesecake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie crumb to keep the crust delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Is it necessary to chill the bars for 3 hours?
Chilling is key to allowing the cheesecake bars to set fully and slice neatly. While you can cool them for less time in a pinch, chilling for at least 3 hours—or overnight—is best for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe enough for your holiday celebrations. It’s a dessert that brings a joyful burst of color and flavor to any gathering, combining ease of preparation with impressive, crowd-pleasing taste. Whether sharing with family or gifting to friends, these bars are sure to become a beloved seasonal tradition you’ll return to year after year.
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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
- 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, creamy cheesecake filling swirled with tangy cherry pie topping, and decorated with red and green sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a classic cheesecake treat with a seasonal twist.
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 (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Red and green sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust base.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract; continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is just incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and spread evenly. In a small bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with fresh lemon juice and cornstarch until well blended.
- Swirl Cherry Topping: Spoon the cherry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the cherries into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set fully before slicing.
- Serve with Festive Sprinkles: Just before serving, sprinkle with red and green sprinkles to add a festive holiday flair to your cheesecake bars.
Notes
- For thicker bars, use an 8×12-inch pan and increase bake time slightly.
- You can substitute homemade cherry topping instead of canned pie filling for a fresher taste.
- Use a warm knife to cut for the cleanest slices and neater presentation.
