Description
Creamy cranberry cheesecake bars blend sweet and tart flavors in a delightful dessert. Crumbly graham cracker crust and rich cream cheese filling make these bars perfect for holiday gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsps maple syrup
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 7.5 oz (213 g) fresh cranberries
- 1.5 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 5 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 small pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 325°F, creating an ideal baking atmosphere.
- Craft the creamy filling by whisking cream cheese, vanilla, cornstarch, sugar, sour cream, and salt until velvety smooth. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring each blends harmoniously.
- Develop the vibrant cranberry sauce by combining cranberries, orange juice, water, maple syrup, and sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and transforms into a glossy compote. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Transform graham crackers into a fine powder using a food processor. Integrate melted butter and sugar, mixing until the texture resembles damp sand.
- Prepare the baking dish by coating with cooking spray and lining with parchment paper. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the base, creating an even foundation. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Layer the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, creating a smooth canvas. Artfully scatter cranberry sauce across the surface, then use a knife to create elegant swirls without disturbing the crust beneath.
- Introduce a small oven-safe water bowl to the lower rack for moisture, then bake the cheesecake for 35 minutes until the filling sets with a gentle jiggle.
- Extract from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate, covered, for a minimum of 6 hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Slice into precise squares, revealing the marbled cranberry and cheesecake pattern, ready to delight eager dessert enthusiasts.
Notes
- Create a smooth cheesecake base by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, which prevents lumps and guarantees a silky texture.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing and incorporating eggs gently, one at a time, to maintain a delicate structure.
- Experiment with alternative crusts like almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the dessert’s rich flavor profile.
- Enhance cranberry sauce by adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for deeper, more complex flavor notes that complement the creamy cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 256 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg