Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their creamy filling, buttery crust, and vibrant cherry topping, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or simply enjoying at home with family. They combine the rich flavors of traditional cheesecake with a burst of cherry that adds both sweetness and tartness, making them a memorable dessert that everyone will love.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a festive dessert that everyone will adore. The combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, from the crunchy graham cracker crust to the velvety cream cheese filling topped with sweet cherries. They are not only visually appealing but also easy to cut and serve, making them a practical choice for parties and family gatherings. The holiday spirit is evident in every bite, and you can even customize them with different toppings or flavors to suit your taste.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Creating these delicious bars is simpler than you think! With a few easy steps, you’ll have a scrumptious dessert that will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Directions:

• Step 1: Preheating the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Step 2: Preparing the Crust

  In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form a firm crust.

• Step 3: Mixing the Filling

  In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

• Step 4: Adding Cornstarch

  Add in the cornstarch and mix until fully incorporated to ensure a stable filling.

• Step 5: Folding in Cherries

  Gently fold the pitted and halved cherries into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to crush them.

• Step 6: Assembling the Bars

  Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.

• Step 7: Baking

  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm.

• Step 8: Cooling

  Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.

• Step 9: Whipping Cream

  Before serving, whip the heavy cream until peaks form and top the cheesecake bars with it for a light and fluffy addition.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

These bars are best served chilled and can be garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cherries. They’re perfect for holiday parties, served alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. You can even slice them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats at dessert tables.

How to Store Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Do not overmix the batter once you add the cornstarch to avoid incorporating too much air.
• If you can’t find fresh cherries, you can use canned cherry pie filling instead.
• For a festive touch, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate over the whipped cream before serving.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize these cheesecake bars:

• Swap out cherries for raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a different berry flavor.
• Add a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• For a chocolate lovers’ version, fold in chocolate chips before baking or drizzle melted chocolate on top just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?
  Yes, they can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
  You can use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a similar effect.

• Are these bars gluten-free?
  You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
  Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.

• What should I do if my bars are too soft?
  If they’re too soft, they may need more time in the refrigerator to set. Make sure they are chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Conclusion

With their creamy texture, tart cherry flavor, and festive spirit, Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. They not only taste divine but are also simple to make, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. So gather your ingredients and start whipping up a batch of these scrumptious bars. Your family and friends will surely appreciate the effort, and they may even become a new holiday tradition!

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: sara
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful holiday cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and vibrant cherry topping, perfect for gatherings and dessert tables.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form a firm crust.
3. In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Add in the cornstarch and mix until fully incorporated to ensure a stable filling.
5. Gently fold the pitted and halved cherries into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to crush them.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm.
8. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
9. Before serving, whip the heavy cream until peaks form and top the cheesecake bars with it for a light and fluffy addition.

Notes

These bars are best served chilled and can be garnished with whipped cream or extra cherries. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg