Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

📝 The Story Behind the Recipe

Every Christmas, my kitchen becomes a whirlwind of laughter, music, and the smell of butter and sugar filling the air. There’s something magical about baking during the holidays — it’s not just about the food; it’s about the love that gets folded, whisked, and baked into every bite. The first time I made Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars, my kids were decorating the tree while I was humming “Jingle Bell Rock,” and the oven kept fogging up the kitchen windows. When I pulled out the pan and saw those ruby-red cherries glistening over creamy cheesecake, it felt like Christmas had come alive in dessert form.

These cheesecake bars have since become a family tradition — rich, buttery crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping that looks like edible jewels. 🍒✨ Every bite tastes like Christmas joy wrapped in a crumbly crust and creamy middle. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting homemade treats, these bars are sure to make hearts merry and bright!

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🌟 What Makes This Recipe Special?

What makes these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars so special isn’t just their beauty — it’s their simplicity. Unlike a full cheesecake that requires careful baking and cooling, these bars are forgiving and easy. They slice cleanly, serve beautifully, and travel perfectly for holiday gatherings.

• 🎅 They’re festive – bright red cherries over white cream cheese and golden crust.
• 🍫 They’re decadent – rich, creamy texture with a buttery graham base.
• 🎁 They’re easy to make ahead – chill, slice, and serve when guests arrive.
• 💕 And best of all, they’re perfect for sharing – dessert squares that bring people together!

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🛒 Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps stabilize the batter)

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional but adds beautiful aroma)

For Garnish (Optional):

• White chocolate shavings 🍫
• Festive sprinkles 🎄
• Crushed peppermint candy for a Christmas twist 🍬

💡 Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture — low-fat versions can make the filling watery.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour, then beat again. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined — avoid overbeating to prevent cracks.

Step 3: Assemble and bake
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly.

Step 4: Cool and chill
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Add the cherry topping
When the cheesecake has chilled and set, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the surface. Add a few drops of almond extract for extra Christmas flavor if you’d like.

Step 6: Slice and serve
Using a sharp knife, slice into bars or squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Garnish with white chocolate curls or sprinkles for a festive finish. Serve chilled and enjoy the smiles around your table! 🍒🎅

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🍰 Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

These bars are heavenly on their own, but for that extra Christmas magic, try serving them with:

• A mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream ☕
• A glass of sparkling cranberry punch 🍹
• Or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence 🍦

They also look stunning on a dessert platter surrounded by sugar cookies, chocolate truffles, and candy canes — a complete Christmas dessert spread!

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🎨 Customization & Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars: Add ½ cup melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter.
• Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies into the crust or sprinkle on top.
• Berry Swap: Use raspberry or blueberry pie filling for variety.
• Nutty Crust: Replace some of the graham crackers with crushed pecans for a holiday nutty flavor.
• Mini Cheesecake Bites: Use muffin tins to create bite-sized versions — perfect for parties!

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❄️ Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Avoid microwaving — cheesecakes lose their creamy texture when reheated.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re making these ahead for a party, keep the cherry topping separate until just before serving to keep the surface neat and glossy.

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🧮 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Bar – Approx.)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

Based on 15 bars per pan.

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💬 Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Yes! A pre-made graham crust saves time and still tastes amazing.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, these bars taste even better the next day once fully chilled.

3. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely. Fresh cherries cooked with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch make an even more flavorful topping.

4. How do I keep the bars from cracking?
Avoid overmixing the batter and let the bars cool slowly in the oven before chilling.

5. Can I use another flavor of pie filling?
Yes! Try blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berries for a different look and taste.

6. How long should I chill before cutting?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for clean, firm bars.

7. Can I use a chocolate crust instead?
Of course! Substitute chocolate graham crackers or crushed Oreos for a richer base.

8. What size pan works best?
A 9×13-inch pan gives perfect bar thickness, but you can use an 8×8-inch for thicker slices.

9. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

10. How do I cut clean slices?
Use a warm knife (dip in hot water, wipe clean between cuts) for perfect, neat edges.

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🍽️ Final Thoughts

These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a true holiday treasure — creamy, dreamy, and dazzlingly red like Christmas ornaments. 🎄🍒 They bring together everything we love about the season: comfort, sweetness, and the joy of sharing. Whether they’re stacked on a dessert platter, wrapped in a ribbon as a gift, or served after Christmas dinner, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and seconds (and thirds!).

Let this dessert be part of your family’s holiday story — one you’ll bake year after year, with the same love and laughter that make Christmas so special. 💕

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🥰 Tried This Recipe?

Did you make these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars? 🎅🍒
Share your creations on Pinterest and tag @MamaCooksDinner — I’d love to see your festive twist!

Follow MamaCooksDinner for more heartwarming holiday desserts and comforting homemade recipes that make every season taste like love. 🎁💛

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