As the holiday season creeps ever closer, the familiar warmth of cinnamon and the image of twinkling lights sparkle in the back of my mind. It was during one such chilly afternoon, when the aromas of festive baking filled my kitchen, that I stumbled upon the perfect treat: Christmas Cheesecake Bars. These delightful squares are like a hug for your taste buds, featuring a buttery crust that cradles a rich, creamy cheesecake filling topped with a bright cherry pie filling and a satisfying crunch of sliced almonds.
Every bite brings a festive cheer, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday gatherings — or a wonderful excuse to treat yourself on a quiet evening. Bonus? They’re incredibly easy to whip up, leaving you plenty of time to sip hot cocoa or chase after excited little ones. Get ready to impress friends and family with a dessert that blends simplicity, flavor, and festivity in every bite!
Why are Christmas Cheesecake Bars the best?
Elevated Holiday Treat: These bars combine the festive flavors of the season, making them a standout dessert at any gathering.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
Versatile Fillings: While this recipe shines with cherry pie filling, feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit for a personalized touch!
Crowd Favorite: Their rich, creamy texture paired with a crunchy topping is sure to win over every guest’s heart.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares to serve at parties or keep them all to yourself for a cozy night in.
Christmas Cheesecake Bars Ingredients
For the Crust
- Sugar Cookie Mix – Perfect base for that sweet buttery feel; you can use homemade cookie dough for an elevated taste.
- Butter (4 tbsp, Cold & Cubed) – Provides richness and depth to the crust, ensuring it’s melt-in-your-mouth good.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese (1 8 oz) – Key for creaminess in your cheesecake layer; remember to soften it for easy mixing!
- Sugar (1/4 cup) – Sweetens the cheesecake; feel free to adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Flour (1 tbsp) – Helps provide structure, ensuring your cheesecake holds together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Enhances the cheesecake flavor; swapping it for almond extract will give a lovely twist!
- Egg (1) – Binds everything together and contributes to that luscious creamy texture.
For the Topping
- Cherry Pie Filling (3/4 can) – Adds a burst of fruitiness; you can easily switch this for other flavors like blueberry or apple.
- Almonds (1/3 cup, Sliced) – Provides a delightful crunch; feel free to exchange them for walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free treat.
Get ready to indulge in these festive Christmas Cheesecake Bars that are sure to become a beloved centerpiece at your holiday gatherings!
How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Bars
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring easy removal later.
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Combine sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter in a small bowl. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which will form a lovely crust.
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Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly mixture. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool it in the refrigerator to set.
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Beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg in a mixing bowl. Continue mixing until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
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Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the pan. Use a spatula for a nice, even layer that will create perfect slices.
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Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, gently spreading it out to cover the entire filling evenly. This will add a burst of delicious fruit flavor.
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Combine the reserved crumble mixture with the sliced almonds in a small bowl and sprinkle it generously over the pie filling. This adds delightful crunch.
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Bake for about 40 minutes. Once done, let the dessert cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate until completely cold and firm.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply create and bake the crust, then cool and refrigerate it. Mix the cheesecake filling and store it in an airtight container until ready to spread over the crust. When you’re set to serve, pour on the cherry pie filling, sprinkle the crumble topping, and bake as directed. This method not only saves you time, but ensures your bars remain just as delicious and festive on the big day!
What to Serve with Christmas Cheesecake Bars?
As you slice into these festive treats, consider the delicious company they can keep — from refreshing sides to delightful drinks.
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Whipped Cream:
A dollop of light whipped cream adds a creamy, airy contrast to the rich cheesecake bars, enhancing their festive vibes. -
Fresh Berries:
A medley of raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries provides a refreshing, tangy complement that balances the sweetness beautifully. -
Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Cocoa:
Warm cups of cocoa with a sprinkle of cinnamon evoke cozy holiday gatherings, pairing perfectly with the sweet flavors of cheesecake. -
Gingerbread Cookies:
The spiced warmth of gingerbread cookies offers a delightful crunch and holiday flavor that echoes the essence of Christmas. -
Vanilla Ice Cream:
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully atop your cheesecake bar, making each bite indulgently rich and satisfying. -
Nutty Toffee Crumble:
This crunchy topping brings an added texture that’ll have everyone reaching for more of both the bars and the crumble.
Enjoy your Christmas Cheesecake Bars with these perfect pairings for a well-rounded and joyous holiday dessert experience!
Expert Tips for Christmas Cheesecake Bars
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Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for a silky, smooth filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps.
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Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cheesecake bars while baking; they should have a slight jiggle in the center when done. Overbaking can make them dry.
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Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! Proper refrigeration allows the bars to firm up and makes for easy slicing. Serve them chilled for the best texture.
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Customize Toppings: While cherry pie filling is wonderful, don’t hesitate to personalize your bars by experimenting with other pie fillings like blueberry or apple.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh and quality ingredients, especially for the crust and cheesecake layer, make a significant difference in flavor for these Christmas Cheesecake Bars.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cheesecake Bars
Fridge: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before covering to avoid condensation.
Freezer: These Christmas Cheesecake Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for protection against freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the cheesecake’s creamy consistency.
Reheating: If you’re enjoying these bars slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, but serve chilled for optimal flavor.
Christmas Cheesecake Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these delicious bars your own with these fun twists!
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Fruit Swap: Substitute cherry pie filling with other flavors like raspberry, blueberry, or even peach to suit your taste buds. Each fruit brings a unique zing!
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Nut-Free: Omit almonds from the topping to cater to nut allergies or simply for a softer texture. Without the nuts, the cheesecake bars become even creamier.
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Graham Cracker Crust: For a delightful twist, use crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter for the crust for that classic cheesecake vibe.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top for added decadence. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake layer.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cheesecake mixture for a cozy, spiced flavor that sings holiday cheer.
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Vegan Option: Swap cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative, use flax eggs for binding, and consider a buttery vegan option for the crust.
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Caramel Layer: Spread a layer of caramel sauce between the cheesecake layer and the fruit topping for an extra indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!
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Seasonal Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus zing that brightens up your dessert.
Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cream cheese for my cheesecake?
Absolutely! When selecting cream cheese, look for a brand that is labeled as “block” cream cheese, as it has a firmer texture ideal for baking. Make sure it’s full-fat for a creamier cheesecake and always allow it to soften to room temperature before whipping—it’ll make a world of difference in achieving that smooth filling!
How should I store Christmas Cheesecake Bars?
These delicious bars should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Ensure they have cooled completely after baking before sealing them to prevent condensation, which can affect the texture.
Can I freeze Christmas Cheesecake Bars?
Yes! I often freeze these bars for later enjoyment. Wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight for optimal taste and texture.
What should I do if my cheesecake filling is lumpy?
No worries! If your filling turns out lumpy, it’s often because the cream cheese wasn’t softened enough. To fix this, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the filling until smooth. If it’s still not incorporating well, try mixing it longer. If all else fails, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve to eliminate lumps, although it’s usually best to start with softened ingredients for an easy process.
Are these bars safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these Christmas Cheesecake Bars can be made nut-free! Simply substitute sliced almonds with an equal amount of additional crumble or omit them entirely. Always double-check your pie filling to ensure there are no hidden allergens, particularly if you’re using pre-made variations.
Can I use different pie fillings for these cheesecake bars?
Very much so! While cherry pie filling works beautifully, feel free to swap in your favorite flavors like blueberry, raspberry, or even pumpkin for a festive twist. Just keep in mind that certain fillings may make the bars a bit juicier, so make adjustments as needed. Enjoy experimenting to make these Christmas Cheesecake Bars your own!
Delicious Christmas Cheesecake Bars with Cherry Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter in a small bowl. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Cool it in the refrigerator to set.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and spread it out evenly.
- Combine the reserved crumb mixture with the sliced almonds and sprinkle over the pie filling.
- Bake for about 40 minutes. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until completely cold and firm.
- Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.