Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe – Festive & Delicious Dessert Bars

Bring the holiday spirit to your table with these Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cherry topping, these bars are a must-have for your holiday spread!

🍰 Ingredients

• Sugar Cookie Mix: 8.5 ounces
• Cold Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Softened Cream Cheese: 8 ounces
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
• Egg: 1 large
• Cherry Pie Filling: ½ can
• Toasted Sliced Almonds: ⅓ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, then spray it with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Create the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles crumbs. Set aside about ¾ cup of the crumb mixture. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let the crust cool slightly (it should appear a bit undercooked).
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: While the crust cools, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it in an even layer.
5. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the reserved cookie crumbs with the toasted almonds. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the cherry layer.
6. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes (8×8 pan) or 45 minutes (9×13 pan) until the top turns light golden brown.
7. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for a few hours to set. Cover and store the bars in the fridge.

🌟 Serving Suggestions
These cheesecake bars are perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family. For added festivity, top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving!

⏲️ Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling & Chilling Time: 2-3 hours