Description
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for holiday celebrations, they offer a festive and delicious treat that is easy to prepare and can be decorated with sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Optional: red and green sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust base.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the cheesecake batter.
- Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the center is set and the edges have turned slightly golden brown.
- Cool and top: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours to fully set and chill. Before serving, optionally decorate with festive red and green sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for a holiday touch. Slice into bars and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a shortbread cookie crust instead of graham cracker crumbs for a different flavor and texture.
- Substitute cherry pie filling with strawberry or raspberry pie filling to vary the topping.
- These bars can be kept chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
