1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or use fresh cherries for a homemade topping)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated with the butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Beat until the mixture is well-combined and smooth.
Assemble: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Afterward, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
Add the Topping: Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake bars. You can arrange fresh cherries for a more personalized touch if desired.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. These bars are rich, creamy, and full of festive flavor!
Tips:
To make the bars even more festive, consider adding crushed graham crackers mixed with a little cinnamon to the crust, or adding red and green sprinkles on top for a bit of holiday cheer.
For a homemade cherry topping, cook down fresh cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of lemon juice to thicken it into a sauce.
Enjoy these sweet and creamy Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars for a treat that captures the spirit of the season!
1. Peppermint Bark
A holiday classic, this simple yet festive treat combines layers of white and dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candies. It’s perfect for gifting or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
8 oz white chocolate, chopped
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions:
Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
Spread the melted dark chocolate evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm.
Melt the white chocolate in the same manner and pour it over the dark chocolate layer.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before the white chocolate sets.
Let it cool and harden, then break into pieces.
2. Eggnog Cheesecake Bites
These little no-bake bites are a fun twist on classic eggnog. They’re rich and creamy, and perfect for those who love the taste of eggnog but prefer bite-sized treats.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon rum extract (optional)
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and rum extract (if using) in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
3. Sugar Cookie Bars
These soft, chewy bars are quick to make and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or festive icing for the perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool before frosting with buttercream or decorating with sprinkles.
4. Gingerbread Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of gingerbread! These cookies are spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, and they can be cut into fun shapes and decorated with icing.
Ingredients:
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 cup molasses
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the flour, spices, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in egg and molasses, then mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or candy decorations.
5. Cinnamon Roll Casserole
A cozy breakfast or dessert option for Christmas morning, this casserole is made with cinnamon rolls, a sweet custard, and a drizzle of glaze.
Ingredients:
2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
4 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the cinnamon rolls.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the casserole before serving.
6. Hot Chocolate Bombs
These adorable chocolate spheres are filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Drop them into a mug of warm milk and watch them melt into a cozy drink.
Ingredients:
2 cups milk chocolate chips
Hot cocoa mix
Mini marshmallows
Sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
Spoon the melted chocolate into silicone molds, spreading it along the sides to form a shell. Chill in the fridge until set.
Once the chocolate is firm, fill half of the shells with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows.
Gently press the other chocolate shells onto the filled ones to seal. If desired, decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
When ready to use, place the bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it to melt the chocolate.