Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars

These Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a festive, sweet treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving a delicious dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping, these bars combine the best of cheesecake and fruit for a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 can cherry pie filling

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden at the edges.
8. Cool completely on the counter, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and firm up.
9. Once chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
10. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

• Different Fruit Toppings: Swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit toppings such as blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry for a variety of flavors.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Mini Cheesecake Bars: Use a mini muffin tin or a larger baking dish to make smaller, bite-sized cheesecake bars.
• Spiced Crust: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker crust for an added holiday spice flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cheesecake bars (without the topping) by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Add the cherry topping after thawing.
• Reheating: These bars are best served chilled, but you can allow them to come to room temperature for a softer texture, if preferred.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use homemade graham cracker crust? Yes, a homemade graham cracker crust would work great. Just make sure to press it firmly into the baking dish.
2. Can I use a different type of fruit topping? Absolutely! You can use any canned fruit filling or fresh fruit of your choice, such as strawberry, blueberry, or peach.
3. Can I make this recipe in a different size pan? Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan, but be sure to watch the baking time, as it may change based on the thickness of the filling.
4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free crust mix to make the dessert gluten-free.
5. Can I make the crust in advance? Yes, you can make the crust a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and then proceed with the filling the next day.
6. Can I add a whipped cream topping? Yes, a dollop of freshly whipped cream would make a wonderful topping for these bars, adding a creamy, light texture.
7. Do I have to refrigerate these bars? Yes, the bars need to be refrigerated to allow the cheesecake to firm up and to keep them fresh.
8. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and richness may be slightly different from the full-fat version.
9. What if I don’t have cherry pie filling? You can use fresh cherries or other fruits, or even make your own cherry topping with fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.
10. Can I make these bars the day before serving? Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Just chill them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Conclusion

Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and festive dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the sweetness of cherries. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a treat for yourself, these bars are easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy this delightful dessert with loved ones and celebrate the season with a sweet touch!

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