Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill completely.

Once the cheesecake layer is fully chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
Optionally, garnish with fresh mint leaves or holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.

Carefully lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper (if used).
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.

For the Crust: Press the crust firmly with the back of a spoon or measuring cup to ensure it holds together.
For a Firmer Cheesecake: Chill the bars overnight for the best texture and clean cuts.
Customization: Swap the cherry topping for cranberry sauce or mix cherries with fresh berries for a twist.
Decorative Touch: Dust the edges lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday look.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Add a thin layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache on top of the graham cracker crust before adding the cheesecake filling.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the cherry layer.
Holiday Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling onto the cheesecake batter before baking, then swirl with a knife for a marbled look.
- Garnish with edible glitter or gold flakes for a holiday sparkle.
Peppermint Twist
- Crush candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the cherry layer for a peppermint-cherry combo.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cheesecake batter for a minty flavor.
Nutty Cherry Bars
- Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds or coconut flakes on top for a nutty festive vibe.
Luxe Cranberry-Cherry Blend
- Mix equal parts cherry pie filling and homemade cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart topping.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries for an elegant holiday touch.

White Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cherry layer for a beautiful contrast.
Holiday Sprinkles
- Use red, green, or gold sprinkles to give the bars a festive look.
Whipped Cream Rosettes
- Pipe whipped cream along the edges or corners and top with a single cherry or mint leaf.
Citrus Zest
- Sprinkle a touch of lemon or orange zest over the cherry topping to enhance the flavors.
Mini Star Cutouts
- Use small cookie cutters to cut star shapes from rolled-out pie crust or fondant, bake or set, and place them on top for a whimsical holiday theme.

Serve with Ice Cream
- Add a small scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent dessert.
Pair with Drinks
- Offer these bars with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or peppermint lattes for a cozy pairing.
Gift-Friendly Treat
- Wrap individual bars in holiday-themed parchment paper or decorative boxes for gifting.