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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar and mixing until fully integrated.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, ensuring a silky, uniform cheesecake base.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- 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.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extracts into the cherry compote, then let cool to room temperature.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake base.
- Sprinkle red and green decorative sprinkles across the top for a festive holiday touch.
- 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