Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

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If you’re searching for a festive dessert that will wow your guests and bring a pop of holiday color to your table, look no further than these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. With their rich, creamy cheesecake layer, buttery graham cracker crust, and vibrant cherry topping, these bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as a sweet gift, they’re a treat everyone will love.

Decadent Holiday Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars are an ideal dessert for any occasion, but when paired with a luscious cherry topping, they become a celebration on a plate. The graham cracker crust provides a subtle crunch, the cheesecake layer is irresistibly smooth, and the sweet-tart cherries bring a bright, fruity finish to each bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a holiday dessert for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers stunning results. Not only are these bars delicious, but they’re also visually striking, making them a great centerpiece for your dessert spread.

Let’s dive into this holiday classic that’s as simple to make as it is beautiful to serve!

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

To create these festive cheesecake bars, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each component plays an important role in making these bars as delicious as they are beautiful.

• Graham Cracker Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Cheesecake Layer:
  • 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
• Cherry Topping:
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • Optional: Fresh cherries or sugared cranberries for garnish

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How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Follow these simple steps to bake these delightful cheesecake bars and bring a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations!

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
• Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles.
• Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

• Bake the cheesecake layer for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack.
• Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping

• Once the cheesecake layer is fully chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. For extra holiday flair, you can garnish with fresh cherries or sugared cranberries.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the baking dish. Slice into bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
• Serve the bars chilled and enjoy the festive flavors of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries!

How Long to Bake Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

The baking time is crucial to ensure the perfect texture for your cheesecake bars. Follow these guidelines for best results:

• Graham Cracker Crust: Bake for 10 minutes at 325°F (163°C) to set the crust.
• Cheesecake Layer: Bake for 30-35 minutes at 325°F (163°C). The center should be set but slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan.

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating to let the cheesecake fully set. This step is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover bars (or are making them ahead of time), here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerator: Place the bars in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars turn out flawless:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Let the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter blend smoothly and reduces the chance of cracks.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can introduce air into the batter, causing the cheesecake to rise and crack during baking.
3. Cool Gradually – Avoid drastic temperature changes to prevent cracks. Let the cheesecake cool in the pan to room temperature before refrigerating.
4. Clean Slices – For clean, professional-looking slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
5. Customize the Topping – While cherry is a classic choice, you can switch it up with blueberry, raspberry, or even a chocolate ganache for a fun twist!

With these tips, your cheesecake bars will turn out picture-perfect and utterly delicious every time.

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