Description
Bring the holiday spirit to your dessert table with these creamy and festive cheesecake bars! Topped with cherry goodness and a drizzle of white chocolate, they are sure to delight everyone!
Ingredients
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
– Red and green sprinkles (optional)
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang to make removing the bars easier once baked.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until well mixed. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly to create a solid layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, then take it out and set it aside to cool.
3. Create the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of sour cream until everything is nicely blended.
4. Assemble the Layers: Pour the creamy cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Spoon small dollops of the cherry pie filling onto the surface and use a knife to gently swirl it into the cheesecake mixture for a marbled effect.
5. Bake: Place the assembled cheesecake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but will still have a slight jiggle in the center when done. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.
6. Chill: Once the cheesecake is cool, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
7. Decorate and Serve: Before serving, melt 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave or on a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake bars. If desired, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Slice into squares and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 230 calories per bar
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg