Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a festive and delicious treat that combines the creamy, smooth texture of cheesecake with a beautiful holiday twist. These bars are perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for loved ones. Here’s a simple recipe to make them!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the festive topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry compote
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make the bars easier to remove later.
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Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Assemble the Cheesecake Bars:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (it may be slightly wet but should not be runny). The edges should be slightly golden.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the pan at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
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Add the Festive Toppings:
- Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, top them with a spoonful of cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry compote for a tangy contrast.
- If you like, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the top for a holiday crunch.
- Optionally, serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
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Serve: Slice the cheesecake into bars and enjoy the festive flavors! They’re great served chilled or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Make-ahead: These cheesecake bars are great for making ahead. Prepare them a day or two in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.
- Flavor Variations: You can swap the cranberry topping with a strawberry or raspberry compote, or add a drizzle of salted caramel for a twist.
- Crust Variations: If you prefer, you can use chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos) instead of graham crackers for a different flavor.
These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of creamy and festive flavors, making them a wonderful treat for the holiday season!