By Bring Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Toasted Sliced Almonds: ⅓ cup
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender to mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside about ¾ cup of this mixture. Press the rest into the bottom of the pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool. The crust will still look slightly underdone.
(ingredient 3)
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and coat it with non-stick spray.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter
Use a pastry blender to mix until it forms a crumbly texture
Set aside about ¾ cup of this mixture
Press the rest into the bottom of the pan
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool
The crust will still look slightly underdone.
Prepare Cheesecake Layer: While the crust cools, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even layer.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted almonds. Sprinkle this evenly over the cherry layer.
Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8 pan or 45 minutes if using a 9×13 pan, until the top turns light golden brown.
Cool and Store: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. Store the bars in the refrigerator, covered.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
