Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a festive and creamy treat that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, smooth cheesecake filling. Topped with a sweet and tangy cherry pie filling, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or simply to enjoy at home with family. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, these bars are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving to allow them to firm up.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Use a different fruit topping: If you prefer, you can use other fruit fillings such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach instead of cherry for a different flavor.
- Add a crumble topping: For extra texture, sprinkle a bit of crumble topping on top of the cheesecake layer before baking. This can be made with flour, sugar, and butter.
- Make it chocolatey: Incorporate chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate into the cheesecake mixture for a delicious chocolate-cherry combination.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, though the homemade version adds a fresh, buttery taste. - Can I make these without the cherry topping?
Absolutely! You can leave the topping off or use any other fruit topping you prefer, such as raspberry or blueberry. - Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead. They should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, but they can be made the day before serving. - What if I don’t have eggs?
You can substitute eggs with egg replacer or use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water per egg. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese gives the best texture, you could try using mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor, though the texture may vary. - How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Make sure not to overbake the bars. Once they’re done, let them cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar before removing them. This helps prevent cracking. - Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries or other fresh fruit, but you may need to make a quick sauce by simmering the fruit with sugar to create a topping. - Do I need to use vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer or replace it with almond extract for a different flavor. - Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. Just be sure to allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can be used, though the texture may be slightly different. The flavor may also be less rich, but still delicious.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a perfect holiday dessert that’s sure to please a crowd. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping, these bars are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Easy to make, they’re ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for loved ones. Whether you enjoy them chilled or with a different fruit topping, they’re a treat everyone will love.