Impress your holiday guests with Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars—a dessert that combines a buttery sugar cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet-tart cherry topping. Topped with a crunchy almond crumble, this treat is the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and festive cheer.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 8.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Cherry Topping:
- ½ can cherry pie filling
Directions
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray the foil with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or fork to create a crumbly texture. Reserve ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool—it may look slightly underdone, but that’s fine.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it into a vibrant red layer.
5. Add the Topping
Mix the reserved cookie crumble with the toasted almonds. Sprinkle this evenly over the cherry layer for a delicious crunch.
6. Final Bake
Bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8-inch pan, or 45 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan. The top should be lightly golden brown when done.
7. Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Enhance the Color: For an extra festive look, add an additional ¼ cup of cherry pie filling.
- Nut Swaps: Replace almonds with pecans or walnuts if desired.
- Plan Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: Cut into 12-16 bars for the perfect serving size.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 200 IU
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! Cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened, then use as a topping.
Q: How do I toast almonds?
Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for the same amount of time.
Q: Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes! Wrap bars individually or in a batch, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a holiday showstopper. With their layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant cherry topping, they’re perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dessert to a holiday gathering, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Make them this season and watch them become a new family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine: American | Category: Dessert