Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars

These Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a festive and easy-to-make dessert perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cherry topping, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them with family, these bars are sure to impress everyone with their deliciousness and seasonal charm.

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, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden at the edges.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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

Variations

• Fruit toppings: If you’re not a fan of cherry pie filling, try topping the cheesecake bars with other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a different flavor.
• Crust variations: Swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread or Oreo cookie crust for a different twist.
• Chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
• Flavored cheesecake: For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• Make it mini: For individual servings, bake the mixture in a muffin tin lined with paper liners, reducing the baking time to about 15-20 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: These bars are best served chilled. If desired, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different fruit topping?
   Yes, you can use any canned fruit filling or fresh fruit as a topping. Blueberry or strawberry pie filling works great too.
2. Can I make this dessert in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake bars up to 2 days ahead. Just store them in the fridge and add the cherry topping right before serving.
3. Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese to make these bars a bit lighter, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie base.
5. Can I use a larger baking dish?
   If you use a larger baking dish, the bars may be thinner. Reduce the baking time slightly if you use a larger pan.
6. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
   The bars are done when the center is set and no longer wobbles. It should be slightly golden at the edges.
7. Do I need to use the eggs in the filling?
   The eggs help bind the filling and provide structure, so they are necessary for the best texture.
8. Can I freeze these bars?
   Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
9. Can I make these bars without a mixer?
   Yes, you can mix the filling by hand with a whisk, though using a mixer will result in a smoother texture.
10. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
    You can reduce the sugar slightly, but the flavor and texture of the cheesecake may change. I recommend reducing by no more than 1/4 cup.

Conclusion

Merry Cherry Christmas Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for your holiday celebrations. Their smooth, creamy texture paired with the sweet cherry topping makes them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. Easy to make and full of flavor, these bars will quickly become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Whether served as part of a dessert spread or as an after-dinner treat, these cheesecake bars are guaranteed to spread cheer and make your Christmas even sweeter!

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