Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that bursts with tart cherry goodness nestled in a rich and creamy cheesecake layer resting on a buttery sugar cookie base, then this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is going to steal the show at your holiday table. These bars combine the nostalgic warmth of sugar cookie crust with velvety cheesecake and bright cherry pie filling, all crowned with crunchy toasted almonds. They’re simple yet luscious, making them an irresistible delight perfect for sharing and celebrating the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful Christmas cherry cheesecake bars, you’ll rely on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together perfectly to deliver fantastic flavor, texture, and that holiday charm. Each component plays an essential role: from the sturdy foundation of sugar cookie mix, to the creamy dreamy cheesecake filling, to the sweet-tart cherries, and finally the nutty crunch on top.
- Sugar Cookie Mix (8.5 ounces): Acts as the base crust with a classic buttery sweetness and tender crumb.
- Cold Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the crust hold together with a flaky texture.
- Softened Cream Cheese (8 ounces): The star for that smooth, creamy cheesecake layer that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right without overpowering the cherries.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon): Provides subtle structure to the cheesecake to keep it firm yet tender.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the cheesecake filling and gives it a slight custardy richness.
- Cherry Pie Filling (½ can): Bursts of vibrant, sweet-tart cherries that infuse the bars with Christmas spirit.
- Toasted Sliced Almonds (⅓ cup): Adds a crunchy, nutty topping that contrasts beautifully with creamy cheesecake.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan
Begin by lining your baking pan with foil and lightly spraying it with non-stick spray. This little tip makes removing the bars a breeze once they’re baked and cooled, so your slices stay neat and perfect for sharing. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready to create layers of magic.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix with the cold butter using a pastry blender until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside about three-quarters of a cup of this crumbly mixture for the topping later. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the pan to form an even base. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10 minutes; the crust might look slightly underdone when you pull it out, but that’s exactly what you want for the perfect texture once it all comes together.
Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Layer
While the crust cools, grab another bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg until you get a smooth and luscious batter. This creamy concoction is the soul of the bars, adding that rich velvety layer you’ll fall in love with.
Step 4: Assemble Layers
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over your cooled crust. Then dollop and gently spread the cherry pie filling on top, ensuring every bite includes those bright, festive cherries. This stage is where those gorgeous Christmas vibes really start to shine.
Step 5: Add Topping
Combine the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted sliced almonds in a small bowl. Sprinkle this crunchy, nutty topping evenly over the cherry layer to add texture and a beautiful golden finish after baking.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8-inch pan, or 45 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan. You’re looking for a light golden brown top and a set cheesecake layer beneath. The aroma at this point is just heavenly, making it hard to wait!
Step 7: Cool and Store
Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge to chill for a few hours. Chilling allows the flavors to harmonize and the cheesecake to firm up perfectly. Once chilled, store the bars covered in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and delicious.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming holiday presentation, consider topping each bar with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream. A few fresh cherries or extra toasted almonds sprinkled on top take these bars from delightful to downright irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve these cheesecake bars alongside a cup of spiced tea or rich coffee to balance the sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat during holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a playful twist, or layer individual slices in clear jars with whipped cream and cherries for charming grab-and-go treats. These creative serving ideas make your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe both fun and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers well-covered in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat to enjoy beyond the first round of festivities.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars to enjoy later by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheating is not usually necessary since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warm, zap a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat so the cheesecake layer stays creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
While fresh cherries would add a lovely natural flavor, canned cherry pie filling offers the perfect sweet-tart consistency and syrupy texture that complements the cheesecake layer beautifully. If you use fresh cherries, you might want to cook them down with sugar and a bit of thickener first to avoid a soggy bar.
Is it possible to use a different cookie mix for the crust?
Absolutely! Sugar cookie mix works best for its flavor and texture, but you can experiment with other cookie mixes like gingerbread or shortbread to add a different festive twist.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This tip helps you slice through the layers cleanly without smudging the cherry filling or cracking the crust.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and all-purpose flour substitute to make these bars gluten-free-friendly. Just ensure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
How long does chilling improve the flavor?
Chilling for at least a few hours allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake layer to set perfectly. Ideally, chilling overnight enhances the taste and texture for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the festive joy that a batch of Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe brings to the table. With its irresistible blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers, this treat is sure to become a beloved tradition for your holiday celebrations. Give it a try and watch how quickly these bars disappear—they’re that good!
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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery sugar cookie crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, topped with luscious cherry pie filling and crunchy toasted almonds. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, these bars are a holiday treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Crust
- 8.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Topping
- ½ can cherry pie filling
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold unsalted butter. Use a pastry blender or fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside about ¾ cup of this crumbly mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. The crust will appear slightly underbaked; allow it to cool before proceeding.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: While the crust cools, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing it carefully to cover the surface.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted sliced almonds. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry pie layer, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8-inch pan, or 45 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan. Bake until the topping is lightly golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
- Cool and Store: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for several hours to firm up the bars. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using cold butter is essential for the crumbly texture of the sugar cookie crust.
- Line the pan with foil for easy removal and cleanup.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using a different sized pan, checking for a lightly golden topping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of almond extract to the cheesecake mixture.
- Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
