Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars combine the festive flavors of cherry pie filling and a buttery sugar cookie crust with a creamy cheesecake layer. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are easy to make and sure to delight your guests with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold
• 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 Egg
• 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling
• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter using a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Step 3: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly mixture. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Step 4: While the crust cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring full coverage.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry topping.
8. Step 8: Bake the bars for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until they are cold and firm before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with crushed graham crackers for added crunch.
• You can swap the cherry pie filling for raspberry or blueberry to vary the fruit flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to create a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
• Chilling the crust briefly before adding the cheesecake layer helps prevent mixing and ensures a firmer base.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste best when chilled and can be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, reheat briefly in the microwave to soften slightly, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?

Yes, you can substitute homemade sugar cookie dough, but make sure it is not too soft so the crust holds well. Adjust baking times if needed to ensure the crust sets properly.

Do I need to chill the bars before serving?

Yes, chilling the bars helps the cheesecake layer set firmly and makes slicing easier. It also enhances the flavors and texture, giving you the best results.

Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These festive Christmas Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry pie topping, all topped with a crunchy almond crumble. Perfectly balanced with fruity and nutty flavors, these bars make a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at any Christmas gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust and Topping

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold and Cubed
• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

Cheesecake Filling

• 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 Egg

Topping

• 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling (about 9 oz)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside to prepare the crust.
2. Make Crumble Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter. Use a fork to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Form Crust and Bake: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then place the pan in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg together in a bowl until smooth and creamy without any lumps.
5. Spread Filling on Crust: Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring full coverage.
6. Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer, spreading it carefully to cover the surface.
7. Prepare and Add Topping: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling.
8. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
9. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate until cold and firm before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
• For quicker cooling after the initial crust bake, you can place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes if short on time.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings for variety.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Let the bars come to room temperature briefly before serving for best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas desserts, cheesecake bars, holiday treats, cherry cheesecake bars, sugar cookie crust