Short Description
These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a festive and delicious dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet tartness of cherry pie filling. The sugar cookie crust adds a delightful sweetness and crunch, while the toasted sliced almonds on top give a nice touch of flavor and texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

8.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
8 ounces softened cream cheese
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
½ can cherry pie filling
⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds

Directions

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.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold butter. Use a pastry blender to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. Set aside about ¾ cup of this mixture and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool. The crust will still look slightly underdone.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: While the crust cools, in a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumbly cookie mixture with the toasted sliced almonds. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cherry layer.
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, or until the top turns light golden brown.
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.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12

Variations

Fruit Options: Try using other fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry for a different flavor. You could also use fresh fruit and make your own fruit topping.
Nut Variations: If you prefer other nuts, you can substitute the toasted sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different texture and taste.
Crust Variation: If you’re not a fan of sugar cookies, you can replace the cookie mix with graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits for a more traditional cheesecake crust.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating. However, you can gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

10 FAQs

Can I use a homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the sugar cookie mix?
Yes, you can use homemade dough, but make sure to adjust the measurements for the crust accordingly.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and a thickening agent to create a filling-like consistency.
Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. After baking, just allow them to cool, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
How long can these bars be stored in the fridge?
The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
How do I know when the cheesecake layer is fully baked?
The cheesecake layer will be firm to the touch and slightly golden around the edges when it’s done. The cherry topping should also be bubbling slightly.
Can I use other types of pie fillings?
Yes, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach for a different flavor.
What if I don’t like nuts, can I leave them out?
Yes, you can skip the nuts altogether, and the bars will still taste great.
Can I use a different type of extract?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond or hazelnut extract to add a different flavor to the cheesecake layer.
How can I prevent the crust from getting too soggy?
To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, make sure to bake it for the full 10 minutes and let it cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a festive, indulgent treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. With their creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cherry topping, and buttery sugar cookie crust, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they bring a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.