Print

Creamy Christmas Cheesecake Bars – Easy Festive Cherry Streusel Recipe

Christmas cheesecake bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These creamy cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla-lemon cheesecake filling, festive cherry topping, and a cozy cinnamon streusel. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to wow a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 whole crackers, finely crushed)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade)
  • Optional: 1 cup fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until sandy. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Pre-bake the crust at 350°F for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. Mix until creamy and lump-free.
  5. Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and spread evenly. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  6. Dollop cherry pie filling (and optional extra cherries) over cheesecake layer. Swirl gently with a butter knife or spread evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle streusel evenly over cherry layer.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Streusel should be golden and cherries bubbling.
  9. Cool bars in pan for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight is best) for clean slices.
  10. Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for neat edges. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth filling. Pre-bake the crust to prevent sogginess. Don’t overmix the cheesecake layer to avoid cracks. Streusel topping hides imperfections. Bars slice best when fully chilled. For gluten-free, use GF graham crackers and flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, Christmas dessert, cherry streusel, holiday baking, easy cheesecake, festive bars, potluck dessert, edible gifts

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-christmas-cheesecake-bars-easy-festive-cherry-streusel-recipe/