Introduction
Cheesecake is the quintessential holiday dessert, but preparing a full springform cake can sometimes feel overwhelming during the busy Christmas season. Introducing the solution: Christmas Cheesecake Bars. These bars deliver all the creamy, tangy richness of traditional cheesecake, nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust, but are incredibly easy to bake, transport, and serve. Originating from the desire to simplify classic desserts into manageable portions, these bars are perfect for holiday potlucks, cookie exchanges, or a festive family gathering. Their convenient square shape and irresistible flavor make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) Graham Cracker Crumbs
- ¼ cup (50g) Granulated Sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) Unsalted Butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages (680g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup (120ml) Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- 3 large Eggs, room temperature
- Pinch of Salt
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Crust and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until fully moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to ensure the crust is tightly packed; this prevents crumbling when slicing.
- Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and salt until completely smooth and lump-free (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl often.
- Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing only until each egg yolk disappears.
Tip: Do not over-mix once the eggs are added; over-mixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight wobble when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the bars to cool inside the oven for 30 minutes. This slow cooling prevents drastic temperature changes that cause cracking. Remove from the oven, cool completely to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing.
Nutritional Information
As a rich holiday dessert, Christmas Cheesecake Bars are high in calories and fat, providing approximately 350-400 calories per serving (assuming 16 bars per pan). They offer a good source of calcium and protein from the cream cheese and dairy. Enjoying these bars in moderation is key to a balanced holiday diet. For a slightly lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, though this may slightly alter the texture.
Storage
Store leftover Christmas Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation. These bars freeze exceptionally well; slice them first, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Always serve cheesecake bars chilled.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are the ideal festive treat—easy to make, dazzling to look at, and perfectly portioned. For serving, garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a bright red cranberry compote to emphasize the holiday colors. For a delicious twist, try substituting the graham crackers with gingersnap cookies for a spicy gingerbread crust. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this stunning holiday dessert!