Description
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a festive and delightful dessert that will impress your guests during the holiday season. A buttery graham cracker crust is topped with a creamy cheesecake layer and finished with a vibrant cherry pie filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Red and green sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in extracts. Pour over crust.
- Add the Topping: Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Cut into bars, garnish with sprinkles if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Consider using fresh cherry compote for a homemade twist.
- Bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
