Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, sweet cherry topping, and a buttery sugar cookie crust. The addition of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch, making them a festive and irresistible treat for your holiday gatherings. With layers of flavor and texture, these bars are sure to become a favorite during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• Sugar Cookie Mix: 8.5 ounces (dry)
• 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

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and coat it with non-stick spray.
2. 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 for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool. The crust should be slightly underdone.
3. Prepare the 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.
4. Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the reserved crumbly sugar cookie mixture with the toasted almonds. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
6. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes if using an 8×8-inch pan, or 45 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan, until the top turns light golden brown.
7. Cool and Store: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Store the bars in the refrigerator, covered.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars (depending on the size of the pan)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)

Variations

1. Nuts: Feel free to substitute the toasted almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
2. Different Fruit Topping: Instead of cherry pie filling, use blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling for a unique twist.
3. Crust Option: Use a graham cracker crust instead of the sugar cookie base for a more traditional cheesecake texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these bars in advance?
   Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use a different type of crust?
   Yes, you can substitute the sugar cookie crust with a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust if desired.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   You can try a mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different texture, although the flavor will change slightly.
4. Can I add more cherries?
   Yes, if you prefer a more fruity topping, feel free to use a whole can of cherry pie filling.
5. Can I make these bars without nuts?
   Yes, you can omit the toasted almonds if you prefer nut-free bars.
6. What is the best way to cut these bars?
   Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to ensure neat, even slices.
7. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
   Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
8. How can I make the crust crispier?
   Bake the crust a little longer, but be sure not to overbake it so it doesn’t burn.
9. Can I use a different pie filling?
   Yes, you can swap out the cherry pie filling for any fruit pie filling like strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry.
10. How long do these bars need to cool before refrigerating?
    Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before chilling them in the fridge for several hours.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert to add to your holiday baking list. With a delicious sugar cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cherry topping, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The addition of toasted almonds provides a delightful crunch, making these bars a festive and flavorful treat for your holiday celebrations!

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