If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that delivers pure holiday cheer in every bite, look no further than these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and glossy cherry swirl, these bars are as stunning as they are delicious. They’re the perfect treat to cap off any festive gathering—and the best part is, they’re wonderfully easy to make ahead, so you can spend more time celebrating with your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating irresistible Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars is all about letting simple, high-quality ingredients shine! Each component has a role to play, from the sturdy crust to the luscious filling and vibrant cherry topping that makes these bars truly sparkle.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These create the sweet, slightly crunchy base and hold everything together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the cheesecake, perfectly balancing the tang of cream cheese.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and lends that classic rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show—makes for an ultra-creamy, velvety cheesecake layer.
- Eggs: Help the cheesecake set into those perfect, sliceable bars.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and gives a little warmth to the filling.
- All-purpose flour: Adds just enough structure so your bars hold up with every bite.
- Cherry pie filling: Brings a burst of color, flavor, and festive flair—absolutely essential for that holiday look.
- Festive sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle (optional): A fun, eye-catching finish that makes these bars party-ready!
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing—this helps lift those bars out effortlessly once they’re set.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until you have a texture like wet sand. Dump the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly with your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even crust. You can pre-bake the crust for about 8 minutes if you want it extra crisp, though this is totally optional!
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
Now, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth. Add the remaining ¾ cup sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and the batter is silky—don’t rush this part; a smooth filling is key for the dreamiest Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars.
Step 4: Assemble with Cherry Swirl
Pour the cheesecake filling over your crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Next, drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling all over the top. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cherry filling into the cheesecake—aim for pretty ribbons rather than fully mixing. This is where they really start looking festive!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the center looks set and the edges have a hint of golden color. Try not to overbake; just a slight jiggle in the center is perfect. Remove and let the pan cool completely at room temperature.
Step 6: Chill and Add Finishing Touches
Refrigerate the cooled bars for at least 2 hours—this patience pays off with perfect slices! Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan with the parchment (if using), slice into 16 squares, and, if you like, add festive sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for that extra holiday magic.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
For the most eye-catching presentation, sprinkle your bars with red and green sugar crystals or shimmering gold sprinkles. A delicate drizzle of white chocolate adds elegance and a touch of extra indulgence. Each garnish makes the Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars look tailor-made for the holiday dessert table!
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a refreshing fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries to complement the rich cherry flavor. If it’s a chilly evening, a mug of espresso or hot cocoa makes a cozy and delightful contrast. Even just a handful of roasted nuts on the side adds a sophisticated touch and a pleasant crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars on a platter tiered with fresh pine branches and sugared cranberries for a rustic holiday vibe. Or, package individual Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for the sweetest edible gifts. For parties, arrange them in a checkerboard pattern with other dessert bars for a vibrant, festive spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep their creamy texture and bright flavors for up to five days, making them perfect for stealing a treat throughout the week!
Freezing
Good news: these bars freeze beautifully! Place fully chilled and sliced bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick and festive treat any time.
Reheating
Generally, these bars are best eaten chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them a bit warmer, leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit topping instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling gives these bars classic holiday flair, raspberry or blueberry pie filling work beautifully and add a fun twist. Just make sure to keep the overall quantity about the same for the perfect swirl.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?
For neat squares, use a chef’s knife dipped in hot water, wiping the blade after each cut. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing makes a world of difference and helps keep the layers crisp and defined.
What should I do if my cheesecake filling has lumps?
Lumpy filling is often due to cold cream cheese. Always start with fully softened cream cheese and beat it until perfectly smooth before adding other ingredients. If lumps remain after mixing, you can press the filling through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
Can I make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
Yes you can! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and ensure your other ingredients (like the pie filling) are certified gluten-free. The bars still come out delightfully creamy and festive.
Do I need to bake the graham cracker crust before adding the cheesecake filling?
Pre-baking gives a firmer, crunchier crust, but it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe. If you like your bars with a bit more structure, pop the crust in the oven for 8 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dazzle friends and family with a treat that’s as easy as it is impressive, make a batch of Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars this holiday season. They’re sweet, creamy, festive, and guaranteed to bring big, happy smiles to every celebration. Happy baking!
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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delicious Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. A creamy cheesecake filling swirled with cherry pie topping, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Festive sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the dish.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Pour over crust.
- Add the topping: Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture. Swirl with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Add sprinkles or chocolate drizzle if desired, then slice into bars.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, pre-bake for 8 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with raspberry or blueberry for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
