Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a festive treat combining a buttery sugar cookie crust with a smooth cream cheese filling and a sweet cherry topping. Finished with crunchy almonds, they make a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter. Use a fork to blend them together until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Step 3: Reserve 3/4 cup of this crumbly mixture for later. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then place the crust in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Step 4: While the crust cools, prepare the cheesecake layer. Beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust, making sure to cover it completely.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
7. Step 7: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumb mixture. Sprinkle this almond crumble evenly over the cherry topping.
8. Step 8: Bake the assembled bars for 40 minutes.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until they are cold and firm before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture.
• Substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry for a different fruit twist.
• Chop toasted pecans instead of almonds for a richer crunch.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.

Storage

Store these cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are best served chilled. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve, making them ideal for holiday planning.

Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery sugar cookie crust with a creamy cheesecake layer topped with festive cherry pie filling and crunchy almond crumble. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust & Topping

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold
• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
2. Make Crumble Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cubed cold butter. Use a fork to cut the butter into the mix until it becomes crumbly in texture.
3. Prepare Crust: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumble mixture for topping later. Press the remaining crumble firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Mix Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without lumps.
5. Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Evenly spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, making sure it covers the surface completely for an even bake.
6. Add Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing it gently to avoid mixing layers.
7. Prepare Topping: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle this almond crumble mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling.
8. Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the cheesecake to set and the topping to turn golden brown.
9. Cool and Chill: After baking, let the bars cool for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate them until thoroughly chilled and firm before slicing into bars for serving.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
• Press the crust firmly into the pan so it holds together well after baking.
• Cooling the crust before adding the cheesecake layer prevents mixing of layers and helps the filling set properly.
• Chilling the bars overnight will improve slicing and flavor melding.
• You can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, if preferred.
• For easier slicing, run a knife under hot water and dry it before cutting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas Cheesecake Bars, Holiday Dessert, Cherry Cheesecake Bars, Sugar Cookie Crust, Almond Topping