If there’s one dessert that can instantly steal the show at any holiday gathering, it’s Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a glossy layer of sweet-tart cherry topping — all cut into perfect little squares of holiday bliss. These bars are everything you love about classic cheesecake, but easier, faster, and way more shareable.
I started making these one Christmas Eve when I didn’t have time to bake a full cheesecake. I whipped up a simple bar version instead, and they were such a hit that my family requested them every year after. Now, they sit proudly beside my Cranberry Bliss Bars and Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters as part of our must-have holiday dessert lineup.
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Pour over crust.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool in oven with door cracked 15 minutes.
- Chill cheesecake in fridge for at least 2 hours. Spread cherry pie filling over top. Chill 30 more minutes before slicing.
Notes
• Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
• Let bars chill fully before slicing for best texture.
• Add a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra festive touch.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. The buttery crust adds a bit of crunch, while the cherry topping brings that festive red pop that looks gorgeous on any dessert table. They’re rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough that everyone always goes back for seconds.
If you adore simple but stunning desserts like my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies or Pistachio Pudding Cookies, this recipe is about to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for flavor boost)
How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
If you’ve tried my Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls, you know how important buttery bases are — this one’s no exception!
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the bars sit inside with the door cracked open for 15 minutes to cool gently. Then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Topping
Once cooled, spread cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Add a few extra spoonfuls for that irresistible glossy finish. Chill for another 30 minutes before slicing.
If you want a little flavor twist, drizzle a bit of white chocolate over the top — it makes these bars even more festive!
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars
Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps create a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t Overmix: Too much air can make the bars crack.
Cool Slowly: Cheesecake doesn’t like temperature shock — let it rest before chilling.
Use Almond Extract: A tiny dash gives the cherries a subtle, warm holiday flavor.
If you love these simple tips, check out my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes — they’re full of tricks that make everyday cooking easier and tastier.
How to Store and Gift
Storage:
Keep your Cherry Cheesecake Bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them without the cherry topping, then add it fresh before serving.
Gifting Idea:
Cut the bars into neat squares, place each in a cupcake liner, and arrange them in a festive tin. Add a little label that says “Made with love and cherries!” Pair them with a few Candy Cane Cookies for a colorful, cheerful holiday dessert box.
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Bars: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate between the crust and cheesecake filling.
- Gingerbread Crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed ginger snaps for a spicy holiday twist.
- Mixed Berry Topping: Use blueberry or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry for variety.
- Mini Cheesecake Cups: Make them in muffin tins for individual desserts — perfect for parties!
For another creamy, crowd-pleasing treat, try my Christmas Bread Recipe — it pairs beautifully with these bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade cherry topping?
Absolutely! Just simmer cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened.
2. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overbaking and let it cool gradually. Cracks don’t affect taste but gentle cooling helps prevent them.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — in fact, they taste even better after a night in the fridge.
4. Can I use a different crust?
Sure! Crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies work wonderfully.
The Final Bite: A Holiday Classic in Every Slice
Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a dessert — rich, creamy, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor. They look fancy, taste decadent, and come together with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting loved ones, or sneaking a piece for yourself, these bars are pure holiday joy in every bite.
For an extra sweet celebration, serve them alongside my Frosted Christmas Brownies and Christmas Crunch Snack Mix.