Pin it
My Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars bring such joy to our holiday celebrations! I've been making these beauties for years now and the combination of buttery crust creamy cheesecake sweet cherries and crunchy almonds makes everyone smile. Every time I bring them to a holiday gathering people crowd around asking for the recipe. There's something magical about those festive layers that just says Christmas.
A Sweet Holiday Tradition
I started making these bars for our family Christmas gatherings and now they've become a must have holiday treat. The rich creamy filling paired with sweet cherries feels so festive and indulgent. That buttery cookie crust and crumbly almond topping add the perfect touch. My kitchen smells absolutely heavenly when these are in the oven and watching everyone's faces light up when they take their first bite makes my heart so happy.
Everything You Need for Holiday Magic
- Sugar Cookie Mix: This is our shortcut to the most beautiful crust and topping you'll ever taste.
- Cold Butter: I always use unsalted so we can control the flavor perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it's nice and soft for that dreamy center layer.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to make everything perfectly sweet.
- All Purpose Flour: A little bit helps our cheesecake set beautifully.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: The good stuff makes such a difference.
- Fresh Egg: This brings everything together.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Those gorgeous red cherries make everything feel festive.
- Toasted Almonds: I love the extra crunch they add on top.
Let's Create Some Holiday Joy
- Getting Started:
- First I get my oven nice and warm at 350°F and line my favorite baking pan with foil. A little non stick spray is my insurance policy.
- Making Our Base:
- I mix the cookie mix with cold butter until it's perfectly crumbly. Save some for the topping then press the rest into the pan and give it a quick 10 minute bake. The smell is already amazing.
- Creating the Creamy Layer:
- While the crust cools I whip up the cream cheese mixture until it's silky smooth. This is where the magic starts happening.
- Building the Layers:
- Once everything's cool I spread that luxurious cream cheese mixture over the crust then add those beautiful cherries.
- The Grand Finale:
- I mix the reserved crumbs with toasted almonds and sprinkle them over everything. Into the oven it goes until golden and gorgeous.
- Patience is Key:
- The hardest part is waiting! Let it cool then pop it in the fridge to set completely. Trust me it's worth the wait.
Pin it
My Best Holiday Baking Tips
After years of making these bars I've learned a few secrets. Keep your butter cold cold cold for the perfect crumbly texture. Let that crust cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer. Sometimes I sneak in a tiny bit of almond extract it's heavenly. And always chill them well before cutting your slices will look picture perfect.
Why These Bars Steal Everyone's Heart
These bars have become my signature holiday dessert and it's easy to see why. The balance of creamy tangy and sweet is just perfect. They're easier to make than a full cheesecake but just as impressive. Every layer brings its own magic and together they create something truly special for the holiday season.
Make Them Your Own
- Try Different Berries: Sometimes I use blueberry filling and it's absolutely wonderful.
- Keep it Nut Free: If anyone has allergies just double up on that crumb topping instead.
- Add Some Chocolate: A drizzle of melted chocolate on top takes these to another level.
- Extra Holiday Sparkle: My kids love when I add red and green sugar sprinkles on top.
Pin it
Sharing the Holiday Joy
I love serving these bars straight from the fridge when they're perfectly chilled. A cup of hot coffee or cocoa alongside makes them even more special. Sometimes I add a swirl of whipped cream and a cherry on top when I'm feeling extra festive. They've become such a beloved part of our Christmas celebrations and make the sweetest homemade gift for friends and neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why line the pan with foil?
Foil lining makes it easy to lift the entire dessert out of the pan for clean cutting and serving. It also helps with cleanup.
- → Why use cold butter for the crust?
Cold butter creates a crumbly texture when mixed with the cookie mix, essential for both the crust and streusel topping.
- → Why chill before serving?
Chilling allows the cheesecake layer to set properly and makes cutting cleaner. It also enhances the overall texture.
- → Can I use different pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with another fruit filling like blueberry or strawberry for variation.
- → Why toast the almonds?
Toasting enhances the almonds' flavor and adds extra crunch to the streusel topping.