Christmas Cheesecake Bars: Delight Your Holiday Guests!

The holiday season brings a special kind of magic—twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of festive treats baking in the kitchen. Among the many desserts that grace holiday tables, Christmas Cheesecake Bars stand out as an elegant yet wonderfully simple creation. They combine the comfort of a soft sugar cookie crust with the richness of creamy cheesecake and the sparkling sweetness of cherry pie filling. Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top, and you get a delightful dessert that balances texture, flavor, and holiday charm in every bite.

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or Christmas Eve celebrations. They are easy to slice, easy to serve, and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced holiday baker or someone preparing your first festive dessert, this recipe delivers fantastic results with minimal effort.

Let’s explore how to make this crowd-pleasing dessert step by step—and discover a few tips to take your holiday baking to the next level.

Ingredients You Need

Crust

1 (8.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
4 tablespoons cold butter

Cheesecake Layer

1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg

Topping

3/4 can cherry pie filling
1/3 cup sliced almonds

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Bars

Preparing the Cookie Crust

Begin by preparing the sugar cookie crust, which serves as the base for the cheesecake bars. The crust must be sturdy enough to support the soft cheesecake layer but tender enough to create a delicate bite. Using cold butter is key—it helps create a crumbly, cookie-like texture that bakes into a perfectly golden foundation.

Place the sugar cookie mix into a bowl and cut in the cold butter using your fingertips, a pastry cutter, or two forks. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Once the texture is even, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. Compressing the crust well prevents crumbling and ensures each bar holds together beautifully.

Bake the crust briefly just until it begins to set. This step keeps the crust crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy after adding the cheesecake layer.

Creating the Cheesecake Batter

The cheesecake layer is the heart of the dessert. To achieve a creamy, smooth texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. Cold cream cheese leads to lumps, so letting it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes makes a big difference.

Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg, mixing until everything becomes silky and well combined. The flour helps stabilize the batter, giving the bars a firm yet smooth consistency. Vanilla enhances the flavor with warm holiday notes.

When the crust has cooled slightly, pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the surface. Use a spatula to smooth the top so the bars bake evenly.

Adding the Cherry Topping

Cherry pie filling adds a beautiful pop of color and a festive vibe that fits perfectly with holiday desserts. You’ll use about 3/4 of a can—enough to create a generous topping without overwhelming the cheesecake layer.

Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the batter, no need to spread perfectly. The cherries will settle slightly into the cheesecake as it bakes, creating a marbled, jewel-like pattern on top.

Finally, sprinkle sliced almonds across the surface. The nuts add a delicate crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries and cheesecake.

Baking the Cheesecake Bars

Place the pan back into the oven and bake until the cheesecake layer is set. The center should jiggle slightly but not look wet. Baking times may vary depending on your pan and oven, so check for doneness toward the end.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chilling the bars helps them firm up and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

When ready to serve, cut the bars into neat squares. Each one should reveal layers of golden cookie crust, creamy cheesecake, glossy cherries, and crunchy almonds—perfectly festive and absolutely irresistible.

Tips for the Best Christmas Cheesecake Bars

Use a metal baking pan for even heat distribution.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth batter.
Do not overmix the cheesecake batter once you add the egg; mix just until combined.
Press the cookie crust down firmly to prevent crumbling.
Allow the bars to cool and chill thoroughly before slicing for perfect edges.
Sprinkle extra almonds on top after baking if you want more texture.

Variations You Can Try

These bars are versatile and easy to customize for different tastes or themes.

Chocolate Drizzle Christmas Bars:
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top once cooled.

Peppermint Cheesecake Bars:
Add crushed candy canes to the top for a festive mint twist.

Mixed Berry Version:
Replace cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or a holiday berry blend.

Nut-Free Option:
Omit the almonds entirely or use toasted coconut for added texture.

Gingerbread Crust Alternative:
Use gingerbread cookie mix instead of sugar cookie mix for a warm, spicy holiday flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Cheesecake Bars look festive and elegant on any dessert platter. They pair beautifully with:

Hot chocolate
Spiced tea
Holiday mulled wine (for adults)
Coffee with whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream on the side

You can also decorate the serving tray with fresh mint leaves, extra cherries, or edible glitter for a stunning presentation.

Storage Instructions

These bars store very well, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Christmas Cheesecake Bars are the kind of dessert that brings joy the moment they appear on the table. With their buttery cookie crust, velvety cheesecake center, sweet cherry topping, and crunchy almonds, they offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures for the holiday season. They’re simple enough for beginners, elegant enough for holiday parties, and delicious enough to become a yearly tradition.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, attending a holiday potluck, or preparing treats for family and friends, these cheesecake bars never disappoint. They’re easy to slice, easy to serve, and guaranteed to delight every guest who takes a bite.

Below are some commonly asked questions to help you perfect this festive recipe.

Print

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to achieve the proper consistency.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overbaking. Once the center jiggles slightly but is not runny, the bars are done.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans.

Can I skip the almonds?
Yes. They’re optional and can be replaced with coconut flakes or white chocolate chips.

What kind of sugar cookie mix should I use?
Any 8.5-oz sugar cookie mix works. Stick to traditional mixes for the best texture.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese gives the richest and creamiest results.