Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of festive cheesecake bars? These Christmas cheesecake bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy crust, and festive holiday flavors. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any Christmas gathering. This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you create these delightful Christmas cheesecake bars. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert!
**Why These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a Must-Try:**
* **Festive Flavors:** The addition of holiday spices and festive toppings makes these cheesecake bars perfect for the Christmas season.
* **Easy to Make:** Unlike traditional cheesecake, these bars are easier to bake and don’t require a water bath.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These bars are easily cut and served, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite holiday flavors and toppings.
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
**For the Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of our delicious cheesecake bars. You can buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs or crush graham crackers yourself using a food processor or rolling pin.
* 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together to create a sturdy crust. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the crust.
* ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm, festive flavor to the crust, perfectly complementing the Christmas theme.
**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
* 24 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the cheesecake filling. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in the batter. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the best flavor and texture.
* ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
* 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the filling.
* ½ cup sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy flavor and helps create a creamy texture.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake filling.
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
* Pinch of salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the filling and enhances the other flavors.
**Optional Toppings:**
* Whipped cream: A classic topping that adds a light and airy touch.
* Fresh berries (cranberries, raspberries, strawberries): Add a burst of color and flavor.
* Chocolate shavings: Adds a touch of elegance and chocolatey goodness.
* Caramel sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce for a sweet and decadent treat.
* Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles add a touch of fun and whimsy.
* Cranberry sauce: Use leftover cranberry sauce for topping or swirls within the filling
* White chocolate drizzle: Adds a beautiful contrast and sweet flavor.
**Equipment You’ll Need:**
* 9×13 inch baking pan: This is the ideal size for making cheesecake bars.
* Parchment paper: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars.
* Mixing bowls: For preparing the crust and cheesecake filling.
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer): For creaming the cream cheese and mixing the batter.
* Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
* Rubber spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
* Knife or pizza cutter: For cutting the cheesecake bars.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Christmas cheesecake bars.
**Step 1: Prepare the Crust**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
4. Mix well until all the crumbs are moistened.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy.
7. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
**Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling**
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. It’s crucial that the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack.
3. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until just combined.
**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake Bars**
1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. If using, gently swirl in cranberry sauce or other desired fillings with a knife or skewer. Be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the color of the filling.
3. Bake the cheesecake bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set. The edges should be slightly golden brown, and the center should have a slight jiggle.
4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps to prevent cracking.
5. Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.
6. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop its flavors.
**Step 4: Decorate and Serve**
1. Once the cheesecake bars are chilled and firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut the cheesecake into bars using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
3. Decorate with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or sprinkles.
4. Serve and enjoy!
**Tips for Perfect Christmas Cheesecake Bars:**
* **Use softened cream cheese:** This is crucial for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least an hour before using.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Mix until just combined.
* **Bake at a low temperature:** Baking the cheesecake at a lower temperature helps to prevent cracking.
* **Cool slowly:** Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps to prevent cracking. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour, then let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
* **Chill thoroughly:** Chilling the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allows them to set completely and develop their flavors.
* **Use a hot knife to cut:** Dipping your knife in hot water and wiping it dry before each cut will help you to achieve clean, even slices.
* **Experiment with flavors and toppings:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite holiday flavors and toppings. Add different spices, extracts, or candies to the filling, or decorate with different toppings.
* **Preventing a Soggy Crust**: One of the key things to avoid is a soggy crust. There are a few methods to prevent that.
* Blind bake the crust for a longer period, ensuring its thoroughly baked and slightly golden before adding the filling.
* Brush the crust with melted white chocolate after baking and let it set before adding the filling. This creates a moisture barrier.
* Avoid over-filling, which can seep into the crust during baking.
**Variations and Customizations:**
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your Christmas cheesecake bars:
* **Peppermint Cheesecake Bars:** Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling and top with crushed candy canes.
* **Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars:** Add gingerbread spice to the cheesecake filling and crust for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Eggnog Cheesecake Bars:** Substitute eggnog for the sour cream in the cheesecake filling for a festive flavor.
* **Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars:** Swirl cranberry sauce into the cheesecake filling for a tart and festive touch.
* **Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Bars:** Add cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling and top with crushed peppermint candies.
* **Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars:** Swirl caramel sauce into the cheesecake filling and top with toasted pecans.
* **White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Bars**: Incorporate melted white chocolate into the cheesecake filling and sprinkle dried cranberries on top.
**Serving Suggestions:**
These Christmas cheesecake bars are perfect for serving at:
* Christmas parties
* Holiday potlucks
* Family gatherings
* Dessert tables
* Gifting to friends and neighbors
Serve them chilled and cut into bars. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
**Storage Instructions:**
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, wrap the cheesecake bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
**Troubleshooting:**
* **Cracked Cheesecake:** Cracking is a common problem with cheesecake. To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven.
* **Soggy Crust:** To prevent a soggy crust, blind-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
* **Lumpy Filling:** To avoid lumps in the filling, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before using.
**Recipe Summary**
**Christmas Cheesecake Bars**
* Yields: 16-24 bars
* Prep time: 30 minutes
* Cook time: 30 minutes
* Cooling time: 1 hour + chilling time
**Ingredients:**
* **Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
* 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* **Filling:**
* 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* ½ cup sour cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Whipped cream
* Fresh berries
* Chocolate shavings
* Caramel sauce
* Sprinkles
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into the pan.
3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, then sour cream, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Pour filling over crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Turn off oven; cool with door ajar for 1 hour.
6. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
7. Lift bars from pan, cut, and decorate.
**Nutrition Information (Approximate):**
* Calories: 250-350 per bar (depending on toppings)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 4-6g
**Conclusion:**
These Christmas cheesecake bars are a delicious and festive treat that are sure to impress your friends and family. With their creamy filling, crunchy crust, and customizable toppings, they’re the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible Christmas cheesecake bars!