Looking for a festive dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress? These Cherry Cheesecake Bars for Christmas combine a buttery sugar cookie crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, and a vibrant cherry topping that’s perfect for the holiday season!
Sugar Cookie Crust Cheesecake Bars!
The holiday season is all about gathering with family, sharing traditions, and indulging in festive treats. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, beautifully festive, and guaranteed to impress, these Cherry Cheesecake Bars for Christmas are the perfect choice!
With a buttery sugar cookie crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cherry topping, and crunchy sliced almonds, every bite captures the flavors of the season!
Why this Recipe Works:
- Sugar Cookie Crust Saves Time – Using a store bought sugar cookie crust creates a buttery, sweet crust without the need to measure multiple dry ingredients. It provides a soft, chewy foundation that pairs perfectly with the with creamy cheesecake layer.
- Cherry Pie Filling Adds Festive Color – The bright red cherry topping instantly gives these bars a Christmas inspired look. It’s sweet tart flavor cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, creating a delicious balance in every bite.
- Easy to Make Ahead – These bars actually taste better after they’ve had time to chill. Making them a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together while reducing holiday baking stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix – Forms the sweet, soft cookie crust base.
- 4 tbsp Butter (Cold & Cubed) – Mixed into the cookie mix to create a rich, tender crust.
- 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese (Softened) – The main ingredient for the creamy cheesecake layer.
- 1/4 cup Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
- 1 tbsp Flour – Helps stabilize and thicken the cheesecake filling.
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla – Enhances the flavor with warmth.
- 1 Egg – Binds the filling together and gives it structure.
- 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling – Provides a festive fruity topping with sweet tart cherry flavor.
- 1/3 cup Almonds (Sliced) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that compliments the cherries.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Bars for Christmas
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 (8.5 oz) sugar cookie mix and 4 tbsp cold, cubed butter with a fork until crumbly.
- Set aside 3/4 cup of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
- While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheesecake mixture by beating together 1 (8 oz) softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and 1 egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the mixture over the cooled crust evenly, covering the crust completely.
- Then spoon on 3/4 cup cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake mixture, spreading evenly.
- Stir 1/3 cup sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle all over the top of the pie filling.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Cool for 30 minutes, then store in the refrigerator until cold and firm.
My Best Tips:
- Watch the Baking Time – The bars are done when the cheesecake layer looks set and the center has just a slight jiggle. Overbaking can make the cheesecake dry.
- Chill Before Slicing – Refrigerate for a least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilled bars are easier to cut and have the best flavor and texture.
- Swap Pie Filling Flavor – You can easily swap the cherry pie filling with other flavors like blueberry or strawberry.
More Christmas Dessert Recipes:
- Cranberry Christmas Cake
- Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Cranberry Pretzel Salad
- Mini Peppermint Cheesecakes
Yield: 9
Cherry Cheesecake Bars for Christmas
4.0 Stars (1 Review)
Enjoy festive Cherry Cheesecake Bars for Christmas with a buttery cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cherries, and crunchy almonds!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Additional Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
- 4 tbsp Butter, Cold
- 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Flour
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 Egg
- 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling
- 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter with a fork until crumbly.
- Set aside 3/4 cup of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Place in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
- While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheesecake mixture by beating together softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the mixture over the cooled crust evenly, covering the crust completely.
- Then spoon on pie filling over the top of the cheesecake mixture, spreading evenly.
- Stir sliced almonds into the reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle all over the top of the pie filling.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Cool for 30 minutes, then store in the refrigerator until cold and firm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 116mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 3g
The nutrition facts were automated by the Nutritionix database. Because it's done by automation, it is best practice to double check for accuracy.
Can I double this recipe? And if so, how big should the pan be?
I haven’t tried doubling it, so I am not sure. If you try, let me know how it turns out!