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Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars


  • Author: Susan
  • Total Time: 55-60 Minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 Bars 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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