Forget fussy desserts! This Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars recipe delivers all the creamy cheesecake goodness and festive cherry flavor in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bar format. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are a delicious addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, offering a satisfying sweet treat without the guilt. These are truly among the best recipes you'll find for a homemade Christmas dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 (15 ounce) can cherry pie filling
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.
- Gently fold the sour cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly across the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges and the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the cheesecake to fully set.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling. This is crucial for easy mixing and a flawless texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the finished bars. Gentle folding is key.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cheesecake bars! Allowing them to cool completely prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cherry: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for an extra decadent touch.
- Other Fruits: Experiment with different pie fillings, like blueberry or strawberry, to create unique flavor combinations.
- Nut Crust: Substitute pecan or almond crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs for a different textural experience.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the number of bars cut.)
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and relatively healthy treat, especially when enjoyed in moderation. They're a simple yet impressive dessert that's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering! They are also a wonderful addition to your list of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy!