Celebrate the holidays with this Christmas Crunch Cake—a no-bake, festive dessert featuring a crunchy granola crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply indulging in holiday cheer.
Why You Will Love Christmas Crunch Cake
- No-Bake Simplicity: Quick to prepare and no oven required, making it a stress-free holiday dessert.
- Festive Appeal: With its red, white, and green sprinkle topping, it’s perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- Texture Heaven: The crunchy granola crust pairs beautifully with the creamy, rich filling.
- Customizable: Swap out flavors or decorations to suit any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy, sweet, and crunchy layers are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients Notes
- Nature Valley™ Granola Bars: These provide a sturdy, flavorful crust. Crush them finely for even coverage.
- Butter: Acts as a binder for the crust. Melted butter ensures even mixing with the granola.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances the tangy cream cheese filling.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese delivers a rich, creamy texture. Soften it to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and a smooth consistency to the filling.
- Whipped Topping: Adds fluffiness and lightness to the filling. Extra creamy works best.
- Pure Almond Extract: Offers a subtle holiday flavor; you can use vanilla extract as a substitute.
- Spiced Rum or Vanilla: Adds warmth and complexity to the filling. Skip the rum for a kid-friendly version.
- Betty Crocker™ Decorating Decors Nonpareils: The red, white, and green sprinkles make the cake visually festive. You can use other colors for different themes.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
How to Make Christmas Crunch Cake
- Prepare the Pan and Crust
Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan generously with nonstick baking spray. In a large bowl, mix the crushed granola bars, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. - Make the Filling
In a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, almond extract, and spiced rum (or vanilla). Mix until the filling is creamy and well-combined. - Add the Sprinkles
Gently fold in the nonpareils, reserving about 1 teaspoon for the topping. - Assemble the Cake
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the granola crust. Sprinkle the remaining granola mixture on top and lightly press it down. Decorate with the reserved nonpareils for a festive finish. - Freeze and Set
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until the cake is firm and set. - Serve
Slice into squares and serve directly from the freezer for a refreshing, crunchy dessert.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
- Serve chilled or straight from the freezer for the best texture.
- Garnish with additional whipped topping, a drizzle of caramel, or crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair.
Storage:
- Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigerator: The cake will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the crust may lose its crunch over time.
Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cake: Replace almond extract with peppermint extract and mix crushed candy canes into the granola crust.
- Tropical Crunch Cake: Swap almond extract for coconut extract and add shredded coconut to the granola mixture.
- Nutty Delight Crunch Cake: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for added texture and flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Crushing the Granola Bars: Use a food processor for finely crushed granola, or place the bars in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Smooth Filling: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Firm Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when slicing.
Tips from Well-Known Bakers
- Martha Stewart: “For a perfect no-bake crust, mix ingredients until they feel like wet sand before pressing them into the pan.”
- Ina Garten: “Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, creamy filling.”
- Sally McKenney: “Fold sprinkles gently into the filling to keep their colors from bleeding.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other granola bars for the crust?
Yes, any crunchy granola bar flavor can be used. Just ensure they are finely crushed for a sturdy crust.
2. Can I make this dessert alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the spiced rum with vanilla extract or almond extract.
3. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, then use it as a substitute.
4. What can I do if my crust crumbles when slicing?
Chill the cake longer to firm up the crust, and use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
5. How can I customize the sprinkles for other occasions?
Swap the red, white, and green nonpareils for colors that match your celebration, like pastel shades for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
This Christmas Crunch Cake combines festive flavors, a delightful crunch, and a creamy filling for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday celebrations!
