Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These cheesecake bars combine a buttery sugar cookie crust with a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet cherry topping. Finished with a crunchy almond crumble, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold
• 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 Egg
• 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling
• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter. Use a fork to mix until the texture is crumbly.
3. Step 3: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly mixture. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then place in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Step 4: While the crust cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust, covering it completely.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
7. Step 7: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry topping.
8. Step 8: Bake the assembled bars for 40 minutes.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate until cold and firm before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
• Try different pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a new twist.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave if desired, but they are best served chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?

Yes, you can substitute homemade sugar cookie dough, but adjust the butter amount to achieve a crumbly texture similar to the mix and butter combination.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

These delightful Christmas Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery sugar cookie crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet cherry pie filling topping, all finished with crunchy sliced almonds for the perfect festive dessert. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, these bars are an excellent holiday treat to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust & Topping

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold
• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

Cheesecake Layer

• 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 Egg

Topping

• 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set it aside to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
2. Make Crust Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold cubed butter. Use a fork to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture.
3. Form the Crust: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly mixture for later use. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it, then place the pan in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
5. Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the pan, making sure the crust is completely covered.
6. Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly on top of the cheesecake layer, spreading it gently for uniform coverage.
7. Prepare and Add Topping: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle this almond crumble evenly over the cherry pie topping for a crunchy finish.
8. Bake the Bars: Place the pan back into the oven and bake the assembled bars for 40 minutes until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set.
9. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill until the bars are cold and firm, making them easier to cut and serve.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Cooling the crust before adding the cheesecake layer helps prevent the layers from mixing and keeps the crust crisp.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry for variation.
• Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Allow the bars to chill completely for clean, neat slices when cutting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cheesecake bars, cherry cheesecake bars, sugar cookie crust, holiday dessert, cheesecake dessert bars, almond topped bars