If you’re searching for a festive treat that will dazzle your holiday guests, look no further than this incredible Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious, creamy cheesecake layer, all topped with vibrant, sweet cherry pie filling swirled just so. Every bite feels like a perfect holiday celebration – rich, smooth, and bursting with seasonal cheer. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe, it will become a beloved classic on your holiday dessert table for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simpler than you might think, but each one plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of texture and flavor for these cheesecake bars. From the crunchy, buttery crust to the silky cheesecake and bright cherry topping, every element shines brightly.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides the classic crunchy base with a slightly sweet, honeyed flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering it.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient, creating a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- 2 large eggs: Help to create structure and give the cheesecake firmness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant depth to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Stabilizes the filling, preventing cracks and ensuring a smooth texture.
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling: Brings beautiful vibrant color and a burst of sweet-tart flavor to the top.
- Optional garnishes (holiday sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle): Perfect for adding festive flair and extra sweetness at the end.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a good overhang to make lifting the bars out a breeze later. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture looks evenly moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake this crust for 8 to 10 minutes to get it nicely set and just starting to brown, then remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Using a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until the texture is flawlessly smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture light and airy. Stir in the vanilla extract and the tablespoon of flour until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the filling could become too dense.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake in small dollops. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cherries into the cheesecake layer to create a pretty marbled effect that is as eye-catching as it is delicious. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is only just set—meaning it should have a slight jiggle.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Let the cheesecake bars cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least three hours — this step is key for allowing the cheesecake to fully set for clean, perfect slices when serving your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Once your bars are chilled, adding garnishes can take these dessert bars from delightful to dazzling. Consider sprinkling holiday-themed sprinkles on top for a festive sparkle or drizzle melted white chocolate for a creamy contrast that adds both texture and holiday charm.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and sweet, so pairing them with something light and refreshing can balance the experience. Fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a handful of fresh berries are all wonderful companions that keep your dessert plate bright and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe on a beautiful platter lined with fresh holly leaves or dusted with powdered sugar to simulate snow. For gift-giving or sharing, wrap individual bars in festive parchment paper and tie with a colorful ribbon. The presentation makes the experience as joyful as the taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled ensures the creamy filling stays firm and the crust remains crisp. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to store them well covered to avoid drying out the surface.
Freezing
For longer storage, Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the bars first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Since these are cold-set cheesecake bars, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended—the creamy texture is perfect chilled. If you prefer them slightly less cold, simply let the bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, you can make your own cherry topping by cooking down pitted cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened. This will give a fresher flavor but expect a slightly different texture than the pie filling.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs? Can I use another crust?
Yes, shortbread or digestive biscuit crumbs work wonderfully as substitutes. Just keep the butter ratio the same to maintain that perfect crumbly crust texture. The flavor will be a bit different but just as delicious.
How do I get nice clean slices when cutting the bars?
For the neatest slices, chill the cheesecake bars thoroughly before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to prevent sticking. This simple step helps keep your slices looking picture-perfect.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making them a day ahead helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes slicing easier. Just be sure to keep them covered and refrigerated until serving.
Are these cheesecake bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, poultry, or seafood products. Just double-check that your cream cheese and pie filling don’t use any gelatin if you want to be extra careful.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe that brings cozy holiday vibes right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, beautiful to look at, and absolutely irresistible to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a crowd or treating yourself, these bars will add a sparkle to your festive dessert lineup. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) them as much as I do!
Print
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer swirled with sweet cherry pie filling, making a festive and delightful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- Optional: holiday sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then blend in vanilla extract and flour until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cherry filling into the cheesecake to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the cheesecake bars: Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Chill and garnish: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to fully set. Once chilled, garnish with holiday sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle if desired. Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For clean, neat slices, wipe your knife between each cut.
- You can substitute a shortbread crust for a firmer base if preferred.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Bars can be frozen for longer storage; thaw before serving.
