Jolly Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet holiday magic happens when creamy christmas cheesecake bars melt on your tongue with festive charm.

Memories of cozy winter gatherings dance through each delectable bite.

Relatives always request this special dessert during seasonal celebrations.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

Delicate graham cracker crusts provide a warm, comforting foundation for every slice.

Rich textures and smooth flavors promise a delightful treat that sparks joy.

Whip up these irresistible bars and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Festive Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Craft with Ease: No complicated techniques required, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Delightful dessert that brings festive cheer to family gatherings and holiday parties.
• Customize Your Creation: Simple base recipe allows for endless variations with different pie fillings or nut toppings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance, giving you more time to enjoy celebrations and less stress in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Sugar Cookie Mix: A convenient base that provides a sweet and buttery foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture for the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy, and tangy base for the cheesecake filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake mixture and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Egg: Binds the cheesecake mixture and provides structure.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a festive red color and sweet-tart fruit flavor to the bars.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the topping.

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your baking pan and create a foil fortress, making sure every corner is covered.

Give the foil a quick spritz of non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine sugar cookie mix with ice-cold butter.

Get your pastry blender working magic, transforming the ingredients into a delightful crumbly texture. Set aside a handful of this magical mixture for later.

Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the pan, creating a solid foundation. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool down – it might look slightly underdone, but that’s totally okay.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Vanilla extract
• One egg

Blend these ingredients until they become a smooth, dreamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Build Your Festive Layers

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Next, dollop the cherry pie filling across the surface, creating a vibrant red landscape.

Step 5: Create a Crunchy Topping

Combine the reserved crumbly mixture with toasted sliced almonds.

Sprinkle this nutty treasure generously over the cherry layer, adding a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan back into the oven.

For an 8×8 pan, bake for 40 minutes. If using a 9×13 pan, give it about 45 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top that screams “I’m ready!”

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, pop them in the refrigerator for a few hours to set.

Store your masterpiece covered in the fridge, ready to wow your holiday guests.

Pro Tips for Holiday Cheesecake Bars

• Prep the pan meticulously by lining it with foil and spraying non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars.
• Achieve the perfect crust texture by using a pastry blender to mix sugar cookie mix and cold butter, creating a crumbly consistency that holds together beautifully.
• Ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer by thoroughly mixing cream cheese at room temperature with other ingredients until no lumps remain.
• Control the baking time carefully, watching for a light golden brown top as the key indicator of perfectly baked Christmas cheesecake bars.
• Chill the bars completely before serving to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm yet creamy texture that makes these bars irresistible.

Variations on Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Holiday Spice Edition: Replace vanilla extract with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor profile. Add a sprinkle of ground cloves to enhance the Christmas spirit.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Swap sugar cookie mix with gluten-free sugar cookie mix or almond flour. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Seasonal Berry Alternative: Substitute cherry pie filling with cranberry or raspberry compote for a tart, seasonal twist. Use fresh or frozen berries cooked down with sugar and a touch of orange zest.
• Nut-Free Winter Crumble: Replace toasted almonds with crushed graham crackers or festive sprinkles. Incorporate white chocolate chips into the crumble topping for added sweetness and texture.

Suggested Pairings for Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Complement the rich, sweet cheesecake bars with a crisp prosecco or champagne. The bubbly brightness cuts through the creamy texture while enhancing the cherry's sweet-tart profile.
• Pair with a hot vanilla latte or spiced chai tea. These warm drinks balance the cold cheesecake and echo the dessert's comforting holiday essence.
• Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or amaretti cookies. These nutty treats mirror the sliced almonds in the recipe and provide delightful textural contrast.

Storage Guidelines for Christmas Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal Christmas Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their creamy consistency and festive taste.
• Thawing Process: Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly defrost and retain their original moisture and texture.
• Reheating Technique: Warm slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, or enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use a different pie filling instead of cherry?

Yes, absolutely! Raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry pie fillings work great as substitutes and will create delicious variations of these cheesecake bars.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a mixing bowl, baking pan, pastry blender or fork, and standard measuring tools that most home kitchens have.

• Is the sugar cookie mix necessary, or can I make the crust from scratch?

While the sugar cookie mix provides convenience, you can create a homemade crust using graham cracker crumbs, flour, sugar, and butter if you prefer a completely from-scratch approach.

Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Delightful christmas cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with festive spices in a simple dessert. Holiday guests will savor each bite of this elegant, easy-to-serve treat you can prepare ahead of time.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 8.5 oz (241 g) sugar cookie mix
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, cold
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 can cherry pie filling
• 1/3 cup (40 g) toasted sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 or 9×13 inch pan by lining it with foil and spraying with non-stick cooking spray.

1. Create the crust by blending sugar cookie mix with cold butter until crumbly. Separate ¾ cup of the mixture for later use. Press the remaining mixture into the pan bottom and bake for 10 minutes, then cool. The crust will appear slightly underdone.

1. Craft the cheesecake filling by whisking cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.

1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Carefully distribute cherry pie filling across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.

1. Combine the reserved crumbly mixture with toasted sliced almonds in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle this nutty topping over the cherry layer.

1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, depending on pan size, until the top turns light golden brown. The timing varies slightly between 8×8 and 9×13 inch pans.

1. Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for several hours to completely chill. Store covered in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly even layers by using an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture and cherry filling smoothly across the crust.
• Toast almonds beforehand in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch, which elevates the overall texture of the bars.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting sugar cookie mix with gluten-free cookie mix or graham cracker crumbs and using certified gluten-free flour.
• Customize fruit filling by replacing cherry with seasonal alternatives like raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves for year-round enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg