These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert—creamy, rich, and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. I’ve made these bars for family gatherings and office parties, and they’re always a hit. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, the cheesecake layer is smooth and luscious, and the vibrant cherry topping adds the perfect festive touch.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. It combines the elegance of a cheesecake with the ease of a bar, making it ideal for slicing, serving, and sharing. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, these cheesecake bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and elegant: Perfect for holiday parties and celebrations.
- Easy to make: Simple steps and no complicated techniques.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable topping: Swap cherries for strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries.
- Crowd-pleaser: A dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Recipe: Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake Layer:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- Add the Cherry Topping:
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer.
- Chill and Set:
- Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
- Slice and Serve:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bars chilled for the best texture and flavor. Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the cherry topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add the topping before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For a firmer crust, press it down firmly with the back of a measuring cup before baking.
- If you prefer homemade topping, simmer fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
FAQs
- Can I use a different fruit topping?
Absolutely! Strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling works beautifully. - What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A regular 9x13-inch baking pan works perfectly, especially when lined with parchment paper for easy removal. - How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. A slightly jiggly center ensures a creamy texture. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better the next day, so feel free to prepare them a day in advance. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the texture may be less rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a festive twist on classic cheesecake, making them the perfect dessert for holiday celebrations. With their buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and vibrant cherry topping, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
I love how easy they are to prepare ahead of time, leaving me stress-free during busy holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving these at a Christmas party, sharing them as edible gifts, or enjoying them with loved ones, they’re sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bring some holiday cheer to the dessert table!
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Bake the Cheesecake Layer:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Add the Cherry Topping:
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer.
Chill and Set:
- Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
Slice and Serve:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a firmer crust, press it down firmly with the back of a measuring cup before baking.
- If you prefer homemade topping, simmer fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
