Get ready to impress your holiday guests with these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars! This dessert combines the buttery goodness of a sugar cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet-tart cherry topping. It’s finished with a crunchy almond crumble, making it the ultimate festive treat.
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 softened cream cheese
- 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, ensuring the foil extends beyond the edges for easy removal. Coat with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender to create a crumbly texture. Reserve about ¾ cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool. It may look slightly underdone, but that’s okay.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, 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 evenly for a vibrant red layer.
5. Add the Topping
Mix the reserved cookie crumble with the toasted almonds. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry layer for a delightful crunch.
6. Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8 pan, or 45 minutes for a 9×13 pan. The top should turn a light golden brown.
7. Cool and Store
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- For a brighter red topping, use an additional 1/4 cup of cherry pie filling.
- Almonds can be swapped for pecans or walnuts if preferred.
- These bars are best when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Cut into 12-16 bars for the perfect serving size.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Details
Serving: 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: 200IU
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Simply cook fresh or frozen cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for the same time as directed.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Indeed! Wrap them individually or as a batch in foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a must-try holiday dessert. They’re festive, easy to make, and packed with layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, these bars are guaranteed to steal the show. Try them this season, and they’ll quickly become a new holiday favorite!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cuisine: American | Category: Dessert