Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars: Festive, Creamy, and Deliciously Tangy

These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect holiday dessert, combining a buttery cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a topping of tart cherry pie filling and almond crumble. They’re easy to make, festive, and full of delightful flavors that everyone will enjoy. Serve them as a special treat at your holiday gatherings or as a fun baking project with family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Flavor and Texture: A sugar cookie crust, creamy cheesecake center, and sweet-tart cherry topping with a crunch of almonds.
• Perfectly Festive: Bright cherries and almond crumble add holiday flair.
• Easy to Make: Uses a sugar cookie mix as a shortcut for a delicious, buttery crust.
• Great for Sharing: This 8×8 or 9×13 pan recipe yields plenty of bars, perfect for family or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 package (8.5 ounces) sugar cookie mix
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Topping

• 1/2 can cherry pie filling
• 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal, and spray with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Crust

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter.
4. Use a pastry blender or fork to mix until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse sand.
5. Set aside about 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
6. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. The crust will continue to bake with the other layers.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

7. While the crust cools, prepare the cheesecake layer by mixing together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

8. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
9. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, distributing the cherries evenly across the top.

Step 5: Add the Topping

10. In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted sliced almonds.
11. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry layer.

Step 6: Final Bake

12. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8 pan or 45 minutes if using a 9×13 pan, until the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Store

13. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to set.
14. Once set, cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking pan (8×8 or 9×13)
• Mixing bowls for crust, cheesecake layer, and topping
• Pastry blender or fork for mixing the crust
• Spatula for spreading layers

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve these bars chilled, straight from the fridge. They’re delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight.

Variations

• Festive Topping: Sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles over the bars before serving for an extra festive touch.
• Fruit Swap: Try using blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different twist.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the almonds if you prefer or swap with crushed graham crackers for a crunchy topping.

Helpful Tips

• Chill for Clean Slices: Let the bars chill fully in the fridge before slicing to ensure cleaner cuts.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delicious nutty crunch.
• Prevent Cracks: To keep the cheesecake layer smooth, avoid over-mixing the cream cheese and egg mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for the crust?
Yes, simply press a layer of your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough into the pan and bake as directed.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the sugar cookie mix and all-purpose flour with gluten-free options.

3. Do I need to let the cream cheese soften?
Yes, softened cream cheese blends more easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth cheesecake layer.

4. Can I add more cherry filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to use a full can if you prefer a thicker cherry layer.

5. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The top should be lightly golden brown, and the edges will start to pull away from the pan slightly.

These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously festive treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With a buttery cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and tangy cherry topping, these bars are sure to impress and become a family favorite!

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