Sweet & Festive Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Decadent holiday treats always spark joy during festive gatherings, and these Christmas cheesecake bars deliver pure seasonal delight.

Sweet creamy layers meld perfectly with classic winter flavors.

Crumbly graham cracker crusts provide a delightful foundation for rich cream cheese filling.

Festive sprinkles and delicate swirls add elegant touches to each bite-sized square.

The combination of smooth textures and warm spices creates an irresistible dessert everyone will adore.

Guests won’t be able to resist these charming bars that capture the essence of holiday indulgence.

Bring these magical treats to your next celebration and watch them disappear in moments.

How to Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and coat it with non-stick spray.

Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

Mix sugar cookie mix with cold butter cubes using your fingers or a fork.

Work the ingredients until they resemble wet sand with tiny butter chunks.

Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping.

Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom.

Bake for 10 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator to help the crust firm up.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Egg

Beat until smooth and creamy, making sure to scrape down bowl sides to eliminate any lumps.

Step 4: Layer the Delicious Components

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Gently spoon cherry pie filling across the top, covering the cheesecake layer without mixing the two.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Almond Streusel

Fold sliced almonds into the reserved sugar cookie crumb mixture.

Sprinkle this crumble generously over the cherry layer, aiming for complete coverage to create a golden, crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake and Cool to Perfection

Bake the bars for 40 minutes.

The top should turn golden, with a slight jiggle in the center.

Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Refrigerate for 2 hours until completely set and chilled.

Pro Tips for Better Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate the cheesecake bars completely before slicing to ensure neat, clean edges and prevent crumbling.
• Replace cherry pie filling with other seasonal fruit preserves like cranberry or raspberry for a festive twist.
• Press the streusel topping gently into the cherry layer to help it adhere and create a more cohesive texture.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve a smoother, lump-free cheesecake mixture.
• Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage and Reheating for Cheesecake Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make cheesecake layer runny.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesecake Bars

• Savor Sweet Wine Pairing: Choose a sweet late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti to complement the cherry and creamy cheesecake flavors, enhancing the dessert's richness without overpowering its delicate sweetness.
• Craft a Festive Cocktail Companion: Mix a white chocolate martini with vanilla vodka and cream liqueur, mirroring the cheesecake's creamy texture and adding a luxurious holiday touch that matches the dessert's indulgent profile.
• Elevate with Sparkling Contrast: Select a chilled prosecco or champagne to cut through the richness, providing a crisp, bubbly counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of the dense, sweet bars.
• Serve Warming Beverage Option: Brew a vanilla-infused coffee or chai latte that echoes the dessert's warm spices and complements the almond streusel, creating a cozy winter dessert experience.

Christmas Cheesecake Bar Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace sugar cookie mix with gluten-free cookie mix or almond flour, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste.
• Low-Sugar Festive Option: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing calorie content while maintaining rich cheesecake flavor.
• Vegan Christmas Treat: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and egg replacement like flaxseed meal to create a compassionate version that suits plant-based diets.
• Berry Alternative Bars: Substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry, blueberry, or cranberry preserves for a different seasonal fruit profile and vibrant color palette.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Feel free to swap cherry with raspberry, blueberry, or any fruit filling you prefer. Just ensure it complements the creamy cheesecake base.

• Do I need to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, a hand mixer works perfectly fine. You can even mix the cheesecake layer by hand with a whisk if you’re careful to blend until smooth and lump-free.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a center that’s still slightly jiggly. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake. A slight wobble is totally normal and expected.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are great for advance preparation. You can make them 1-2 days before serving and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Why Christmas Cheesecake Bars Are a Must

• Blend classic sugar cookie crust with creamy cheesecake and vibrant cherry filling for a delightful holiday dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Enjoy a super simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers or busy holiday hosts looking to impress without stress.
• Cut into neat bars that are easy to serve and share, making these cheesecake bars ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone wants a sweet bite.
• Dress up this recipe with optional garnishes like powdered sugar or festive sprinkles, transforming it from a basic dessert to a show-stopping holiday treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Everything You Need for Cheesecake Bars

• Sugar Cookie Mix: Provides a sweet and crumbly base for the cheesecake bars.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a flaky and rich crust texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy filling for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake mixture.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
• Egg: Binds the cheesecake layer and provides structure.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a festive and fruity layer to the bars.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides a crunchy and nutty texture to the streusel topping.

Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cheesecake bars bring holiday cheer with creamy, spiced layers nestled on a crumbly graham cracker base. Peppermint and rich chocolate create a merry dessert that will delight your senses and spread seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1 (8.5 ounces / 241 grams) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 4 tablespoons Butter, Cold
• 1 tablespoon Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

Garnish:

• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and ready an 8×8 baking pan by coating with non-stick spray and lining with parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Create the crust by combining sugar cookie mix with cold, cubed butter using fingers or fork until mixture resembles coarse, wet sand. Separate 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping, then firmly press remaining crumbs into pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes and refrigerate to solidify.
3. Craft the cheesecake layer by whipping cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg in a mixing bowl until ultra-smooth and creamy, carefully scraping bowl sides to eliminate potential lumps.
4. Distribute cheesecake mixture evenly across cooled crust, then gently layer cherry pie filling across the surface without blending the two layers.
5. Transform reserved cookie mixture into streusel by incorporating sliced almonds. Generously sprinkle this crumbly topping across cherry layer, aiming for maximum coverage.
6. Bake for 40 minutes until golden and center appears slightly wobbly. Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours until completely set and chilled.

Notes

• Chill the crust before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent crumbling and ensure a clean, distinct base.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a smoother, lump-free mixture that blends easily.
• Use a spatula to spread cherry filling gently, creating beautiful swirls without disrupting the cheesecake layer underneath.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg