Festive Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet holiday magic sparks with these merry cherry christmas cheesecake bars that promise pure deliciousness.

Festive layers blend creamy cheesecake and bright cherry goodness into one irresistible dessert.

Seasonal treats rarely come more delightful than this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Smooth cream cheese mingles perfectly with tangy cherries, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Guests will swoon over these elegant yet simple bars that scream celebration.

Winter gatherings deserve something special, and these bars definitely deliver.

Whip up this dessert and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy.

Ingredients for Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter (Melted): Helps to hold the crust ingredients together and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tanginess.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a smooth, custard-like texture.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a festive and sweet cherry flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake base.

How to Bake Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and lightly grease the interior to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Use a fork or your hands to blend everything until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they become silky smooth and free of lumps. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a perfectly uniform texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Base

Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to help the bars set perfectly.

Step 6: Add Cherry Topping

After chilling, spread a generous layer of cherry pie filling across the top of the cheesecake, creating a vibrant and festive surface.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut the chilled cheesecake into neat bars. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with holiday delight!

Pro Tips for Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Opt for full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Crush graham crackers finely for a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth filling.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Chill the cheesecake bars thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm yet creamy consistency.

Variations to Try With Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Chocolate Cherry Bliss: Replace graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs and swirl melted dark chocolate through cream cheese mixture for rich flavor.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Add chopped almonds to the crust and sprinkle toasted pecans on top of cherry filling for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Amaretto Cherry Dream: Mix amaretto liqueur into cream cheese filling and garnish with toasted almond slivers for sophisticated adult version.
• No-Bake Cherry Chill: Skip baking by using gelatin in cream cheese mixture and setting in refrigerator, creating a lighter, cooler summer-friendly dessert.

Pairing Ideas for Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Sparkling Wine with Festive Flair: A crisp, bubbly champagne or prosecco complements the sweet cherry cheesecake bars, cutting through the rich cream cheese and enhancing the dessert's holiday spirit.
• Serve Alongside Warm Spiced Tea: A cinnamon or chai tea creates a cozy contrast to the cool, creamy cheesecake, bringing out the dessert's subtle vanilla and cherry notes.
• Create a Hot Chocolate Companion: A decadent dark hot chocolate with a hint of peppermint adds warmth and depth, matching the cheesecake's festive Christmas theme and creamy texture.
• Elevate with Coffee Contrast: A smooth espresso or cappuccino balances the sweetness of the cherry bars, providing a robust counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Guidelines for Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep bars flat to maintain the cherry topping's appearance.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Not recommended due to cream cheese's perishable nature. Always keep refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
• Enjoy chilled or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy and change the texture of the cheesecake.

FAQs on Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• What are graham cracker crumbs?

Graham cracker crumbs are finely ground graham crackers used as a base for many desserts, providing a sweet and crunchy texture that works perfectly in cheesecake crusts.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

While pie filling is recommended for convenience, you can use fresh pitted cherries. Just cook them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar consistency.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are properly baked?

The edges will look set and slightly golden, and the center will have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. When you gently shake the pan, it should wobble like soft jelly.

What Makes Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars So Special

• Deck the Halls with Deliciousness: These festive cheesecake bars bring holiday cheer right to your dessert table, making them perfect for Christmas gatherings and winter celebrations.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Beginners can confidently create this recipe with straightforward steps and minimal kitchen equipment, guaranteeing a successful sweet treat every time.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep work and basic ingredients mean you can prepare these bars quickly, allowing more time to enjoy with family and friends during busy holiday seasons.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings or add holiday sprinkles to make the bars uniquely yours, giving you flexibility in presentation and flavor.

Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cherry-studded Christmas cheesecake bars dance with festive cheer, bringing holiday magic to dessert tables. Creamy layers and buttery crust invite sweet celebrations, promising delightful moments of seasonal indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter

Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 can cherry pie filling

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter and sugar, creating a compact base mixture.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a smooth foundation.
4. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until velvety and incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until completely smooth.
5. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to maintain a silky consistency.
6. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center indicating proper setting.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking.
9. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve a firm, sliceable texture.
10. Once chilled, generously spread cherry pie filling across the entire surface of the cheesecake.
11. Using a sharp knife, slice into elegant rectangular bars and serve chilled for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie dessert.
• Enhance cherry flavor by adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Create mini cheesecake bites by using a muffin tin instead of a 9×9 inch pan for individual servings and easier portion control.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 248 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg