Name: Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen); 1 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping); 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 9 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); ¼ cup light brown sugar; 32 oz full-fat cream cheese (24 oz for filling, 8 oz for whipped topping); 2 eggs (room temperature); 2 tbsp sour cream; 1 vanilla bean (scraped); 1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream (¾ cup for filling, 1 ½ cups for whipped topping); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 6 oz white chocolate chips (melted); Optional white chocolate bar (for topping)

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As the festive season approaches, the aroma of baked goods fills our homes with warmth and cheer. Imagine the sweet scent of cranberries mingling with rich white chocolate, creating an inviting atmosphere that speaks of cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations. Just thinking about Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars) can take you back to those magical holiday moments spent with loved ones, gathered around the table, sharing stories and delectable treats.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)

Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)

One of my fondest memories is baking with my grandmother during the holidays. The kitchen would be alive with laughter, and we’d often find ourselves sneaking bites of our creations before the big feast. These cheesecake bars embody that same spirit of joy and nostalgia. They are perfect for holiday parties, casual family gatherings, or those late-night sweet cravings. I can’t wait for you to dive into this recipe and create your own memorable moments!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking, you’ll have delicious bars ready in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: Tart cranberries balanced with creamy white chocolate create a heavenly combination that dances on your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red cranberry topping over a rich cheesecake base makes these bars a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat with coffee during the festive season!
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to adapt the ingredients to fit gluten-free or low-sugar diets without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cranberries: 16 oz of fresh or frozen cranberries adds a tart freshness that enhances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup for the cranberry topping and an additional ½ cup for the cheesecake filling, balancing flavors beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp (plus 1 more in the filling) infuses warmth and depth, elevating the overall taste.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: 2 ½ cups create a sturdy, crunchy crust that counters the creaminess of the cheesecake.
Unsalted Butter: 9 tbsp, melted, binds the crust and enhances its flavor without unnecessary saltiness.
Light Brown Sugar: ¼ cup gives a hint of caramel flavor, richer than granulated sugar.
Full-Fat Cream Cheese: 32 oz total (24 oz for the filling, 8 oz for whipped topping) is crucial for a creamy, smooth texture.
Eggs: 2 room-temperature eggs aid in binding the mixture for that perfect cheesecake consistency.
Sour Cream: 2 tbsp adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the filling.
Vanilla Beans: Scraping out 1 bean provides an aromatic, rich vanilla flavor that cannot be duplicated.
Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 ¾ cups (3/4 cup for the filling, 1 ½ cups for whipped topping) results in a luscious, fluffy texture.
Cornstarch: 2 tbsp helps to stabilize the filling, ensuring it sets perfectly.
White Chocolate Chips: 6 oz, melted, add sweetness and creaminess to your cheesecake filling.
Optional White Chocolate Bar: Perfect for shaving on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

How to Make Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. This preparation will allow your cheesecake bars to bake evenly and keep their shape once they’re set.

Cook Cranberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the 16 oz of cranberries with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries pop and soften, about 10 minutes. The mixture should become thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Combine Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 9 tbsp of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. This is the base that will bring a crunchy texture to your luscious cheesecake bars.

Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure to pack it tightly and evenly for a solid foundation. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fragrant. This step helps to set the crust, ensuring every bite holds together perfectly.

Whisk Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the 24 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 room-temperature eggs, 2 tbsp of sour cream, and the scraped seeds from one vanilla bean. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This filling will become the rich center of your bars.

Stir in Heavy Cream and Cornstarch: Gradually add in the ¾ cup of heavy whipping cream and the 2 tbsp of cornstarch to the cream cheese mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overbeat, as this can incorporate excess air and lead to cracks in the cheesecake.

Fold in White Chocolate: Melt the 6 oz of white chocolate chips until smooth, then allow it to cool slightly. Fold this into the cheesecake mixture gently, ensuring an even distribution of sweetness throughout the batter. This adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the tart cranberries.

Spread Filling over Crust: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to ensure a uniform bake. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly. Layering flavors is crucial to making these **Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)** shine!

Bake Until Set: Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. The beauty of cheesecake lies in its gentle bake, allowing for a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. When done, let it cool in the pan for about one hour.

Chill Before Serving: Once the cheesecake has cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in the most delicious bars, worth the wait!

Top with Cranberry Sauce: Before serving, evenly spread the cooled cranberry topping over the chilled cheesecake. Use a spatula to create a rustic finish, and if you’re feeling fancy, shave some white chocolate on top for that holiday sparkle.

Storing & Reheating

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for an hour or two, but for longer-lasting freshness, keep them refrigerated in a container for up to 5 days. If you’re looking to save some for later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Always wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, to protect them from freezer burn. To enjoy them after freezing, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture may slightly change, but a quick whip of the leftover heavy cream can refresh their lovely creaminess!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling; cold cream cheese will create lumps.
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs to prevent cracks in your cheesecake.
Ensure your baking dish is lined properly; this makes lifting the bars out easy and ensures they stay intact.
If you’re not ready to serve immediately, chilling overnight improves the flavors dramatically.
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry topping.

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars) promise to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re indulging in a slice during a quiet moment or sharing smiles around the table with friends, this dessert connects us through shared experiences and delicious flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings and personalize them to make them your own. I hope you enjoy making these bars as much as you enjoy devouring them!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe, and they don’t require any thawing beforehand. Just be sure to cook them a little longer while preparing the topping to achieve the right consistency.

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for make-ahead treats! You can prepare them up to a day in advance. Just remember to keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How should I cut these bars to keep them from falling apart?

Use a sharp knife to cut the bars when they are fully chilled. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices. This ensures that the edges remain nice and neat, allowing every slice to look beautiful.

What’s the best way to serve these cheesecake bars?

You can serve them plain or topped with the cranberry sauce made in the recipe. For an extra touch, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or some shaved white chocolate on top for visual appeal and added indulgence!