Description
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars bring together a creamy cheesecake layer, sweet cherry filling, and a delightful almond crumble topping for a festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. Each bar features a sugar cookie crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a layer of bright cherry topping, finished with a golden almond crumble that adds a perfect crunchy contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
- Crust:
- 1 package (8.5 ounces) sugar cookie mix
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 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
- Topping:
- 1/2 can cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender to mix until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside about 3/4 cup of this mixture. Press the remaining crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly. The crust may look a bit underdone, but it will continue to bake with the other layers.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: While the crust cools, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, making sure to distribute the cherries.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted sliced almonds. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
- Final Bake: 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.
- Cool and Store: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to set. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered.
Notes
- Topping Variation: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some red and green sprinkles on top just before serving.
- Storage: These bars keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 - 45 Minutes