The Jolly Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when christmas cherry cheesecake bars arrive on festive plates.

Delicate layers promise pure holiday magic with each creamy bite.

Families gather around dessert tables, anticipating rich flavors melding perfectly.

Crisp graham cracker crusts cradle smooth cream cheese filling waiting to delight.

Bright red cherries sparkle like festive jewels across soft white surfaces.

Winter celebrations become extra special when you slice into these decadent treats.

Nobody can resist such a delightful seasonal indulgence that blends comfort and elegance.

Grab a fork and savor pure holiday happiness!

Why Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Are Always A Hit

• Craft Holiday Magic: Transform ordinary ingredients into a spectacular Christmas dessert that sparkles with festive cheer and delights everyone at the gathering.
• Simplify Seasonal Baking: Create an impressive treat using straightforward techniques that require minimal culinary expertise, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Customize Festive Flavors: Adapt the recipe with personal touches like different extracts or sprinkle variations, making each batch uniquely yours while maintaining the classic cheesecake charm.
• Prepare Make-Ahead Delight: Design a dessert that can be prepared in advance, reducing stress during busy holiday entertaining and allowing more time for family and festivities.

What You’ll Need For Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the bars their signature smooth and creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set during baking.

• Fresh Cherries: Offer a bright, fruity flavor and festive red color for the holiday dessert.
• Cherry Liqueur: Enhances the cherry flavor with a sophisticated depth.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry compote to a perfect glossy consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth cherry topping.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provide additional layers of aromatic flavor to the cherry mixture.
• Red and Green Decorative Sprinkles: Add a festive holiday touch and colorful visual appeal.

How To Bake Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes smooth and dreamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until everything blends perfectly into a silky mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. This creates a luxurious, velvety cheesecake base that will melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to create an even, beautiful surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The center should look almost set but still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set up nicely.

Step 8: Craft Cherry Topping

• Pitting fresh cherries
• Halving the cherries
• Simmering with cherry liqueur
• Adding cornstarch
• Mixing in powdered sugar

Cook until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

Step 9: Enhance Flavor

Stir in vanilla and almond extracts to the cherry mixture. Allow it to cool down to room temperature.

Step 10: Top and Decorate

Spread the cherry mixture evenly across the chilled cheesecake base. Sprinkle red and green decorative sprinkles for a festive holiday look.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Cut into beautiful bars and serve chilled. Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – if they last that long!

Tips For Delicious Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Prevent Cracking Cheesecake: Bake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create humidity, which helps prevent surface cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
• Boost Crust Stability: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact, solid base that won't crumble when cutting.
• Control Cherry Compote Consistency: Simmer cherry mixture slowly and stir constantly to avoid burning, watching for a thick, glossy texture that coats the back of a spoon without being too runny.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare cheesecake bars up to 2 days in advance, keeping covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and reduce day-of preparation stress.

Fun Twists For Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Winter Wonderland Bars: Replace cherry topping with white chocolate ganache and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies for a festive, minty flavor profile.
• Chocolate Cherry Dream: Swirl dark chocolate into the cheesecake base and top with chocolate-covered cherries for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Nutty Holiday Edition: Mix chopped pecans into the graham cracker crust and garnish with toasted almond slivers for added crunch and warmth.
• Citrus Berry Fusion: Incorporate orange zest into the cheesecake mixture and top with a mixed berry compote for a bright, tangy alternative.

What To Serve With Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Creamy Cocktails with Cherry Cheesecake Bliss: A festive white chocolate martini complements the rich, tangy cheesecake by echoing its creamy texture while adding a luxurious holiday twist.
• Enhance Wine Elegance: Select a late-harvest Riesling with sweet, fruity notes that beautifully match the cherry topping's brightness and balance the cheesecake's dense richness.
• Match Dessert Liqueurs Perfectly: A smooth amaretto or cherry brandy creates a delightful flavor harmony, intensifying the cherry essence and providing a warming alcohol backdrop to the creamy dessert bars.
• Craft Complementary Coffee Experience: Serve a spiced holiday latte or vanilla cappuccino alongside the cheesecake bars, with its warm, aromatic profile cutting through the dessert's sweetness and creating a delectable sensory experience.

How To Store Cherry Cheesecake Bars The Easy Way

• Cover the cheesecake bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other refrigerator odors, keeping them fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
• Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, allowing you to preserve the dessert for up to 2 months without compromising texture or flavor.
• Avoid leaving cheesecake bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as dairy-based desserts can quickly develop harmful bacteria and lose their creamy consistency.
• When ready to enjoy frozen bars, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight, allowing slow, gentle thawing that maintains the original smooth texture and prevents moisture condensation.

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars FAQs

• Are graham crackers essential for the crust?

Graham crackers create a classic, buttery base that provides a delicious contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling. If unavailable, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or vanilla cookie crumbs.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Thaw and drain them completely before cooking to prevent excess liquid in the topping. The flavor and texture will remain similar to fresh cherries.

• What's the purpose of adding cherry liqueur?

Cherry liqueur enhances the depth of flavor in the cherry topping, adding a sophisticated, slightly boozy note. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace it with cherry juice or water.

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 60 minutes (includes cooling and chilling)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cherry cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with sweet-tart holiday cheer, offering a delightful dessert that sparkles with seasonal joy. Guests will savor each delectable bite of this elegant treat that perfectly captures winter’s most delicious moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 24 oz cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Fruit and Topping:

• 2 cups fresh cherries
• 1/4 cup cherry liqueur
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish and Binding:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar and mixing until fully integrated.
4. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, ensuring a silky, uniform cheesecake base.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
8. For the cherry topping, pit and halve fresh cherries, then simmer with cherry liqueur, cornstarch, and powdered sugar until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
9. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts into the cherry compote, then let cool to room temperature.
10. Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake base.
11. Sprinkle red and green decorative sprinkles across the top for a festive holiday touch.
12. Slice into bars and serve chilled, storing any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake base that blends effortlessly.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cheesecake’s doneness with a gentle shake – a slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect texture.
• Chill the bars thoroughly before adding the cherry topping to prevent the layers from bleeding together and maintain clean, distinct lines.
• Swap fresh cherries with frozen or canned if seasonal fresh cherries are unavailable, adjusting sugar levels accordingly for the compote.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg