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: Cranberries; White Granulated Sugar; Vanilla Extract; Graham Cracker Crumbs; Unsalted Butter; Light Brown Sugar; Full Fat Cream Cheese; Eggs; Sour Cream; Vanilla Bean; Heavy Whipping Cream; Cornstarch; White Chocolate Melting Chips; Additional White Chocolate Bar

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There’s something magical about the scent of baked goods wafting through the air during the holiday season, isn’t there? Picture this: the warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma of creamy cheesecake mingling with bright, tangy cranberries, and decadent notes of white chocolate. This combination creates an irresistible treat that is the epitome of festive cheer. These Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars) are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration on a plate, wrapping you in a blanket of flavor and nostalgia.

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)

Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking different treats each Christmas. I still remember standing on a stool at the kitchen counter, mixing bowls of colorful ingredients while my grandmother hummed her favorite carols. That spirit of joy and togetherness is embedded in these bars. They not only taste incredible but become a lovely connection to those cherished moments. I can’t wait for you to experience the delight of making these bars that brighten any holiday gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 70 minutes, perfect for frantic holiday schedules.
Irresistible Flavor: A luscious blend of creamy cheesecake, tart cranberries, and sweet white chocolate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The stunning red and white contrast is beautiful and festive!
Flexible Serving: Delicious for dessert, brunch, or even as a mid-afternoon treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be made gluten-free with alternative crust options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cranberries: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, both work wonderfully. They add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
White Granulated Sugar: This is your go-to sweetener, great for the cheesecake and for sweetening the cranberries.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavors in your cheesecake, creating a warm, comforting profile.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the base for these bars; substitute with gluten-free crumbs if needed.
Unsalted Butter: This is used to bind the graham cracker crust together and adds richness.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor that goes beautifully with the cheesecake filling.
Full Fat Cream Cheese: Essential for a rich and creamy texture—always use room temperature for the best results.
Eggs: Incorporates air for a light texture; ensure they are room temperature for even mixing.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake. Greek yogurt can work as a substitute.
Vanilla Bean: Fresh vanilla bean gives an aromatic depth; however, you can use more extract as a substitute.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For making an airy topping that’s rich and satisfying. Keep it cold for better stability.
Cornstarch: Helps to stabilize the cheesecake filling. Avoid overmixing after adding for a smooth texture.
White Chocolate Melting Chips: Melting chips or a baking bar will work for this recipe, giving a lovely sweet finish.
Additional White Chocolate Bar: For decoration, it adds a chic touch on top.

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

Prepare the Cranberries: Start by washing the cranberries and then placing them in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook them until they start to burst and the mixture thickens slightly, around 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes syrupy and fragrant, bringing the sweet and tart flavors together beautifully. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 9 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of light brown sugar. Mix until combined; it should resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, or until it’s just golden, then remove from the oven to cool.

Prep the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 oz of softened full-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup of white sugar until creamy and smooth. Add 2 room-temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and the scraped seeds from your vanilla bean. Beat just until combined, being careful not to overmix, which helps keep your bars from cracking.

Mix in the Cream and Cornstarch: Now, fold in 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into the cream cheese mixture. The cornstarch ensures your bars hold together and stay creamy. You’ll know the mixture is done when it’s fully integrated and creamy, with no lumps visible.

Add the White Chocolate: Melt your 6 oz of white chocolate either in the microwave (in 30-second increments) or over a double boiler. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture. This will give you that lovely sweet white chocolate flavor throughout.

Combine the Layers: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Swirl in the cooled cranberry mixture with a knife for a marbled effect, creating beautiful designs that not only look great but taste divine when you bite into it.

Bake and Chill: Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F (162°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges begin to set and the center has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The smell will be heavenly! Allow it to cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Top & Serve: Once chilled, whip up 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream with 3 tablespoons of white sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this light, fluffy topping over your cheesecake bars. Decorate with shavings from the reserved white chocolate bar. Cut into squares and get ready for oohs and aahs!

Storing & Reheating

To store your delightful Christmas Cheesecake Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to enjoy these treats longer, you can freeze the bars; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, which helps protect against freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. For serving, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. While the texture may slightly change, the flavors remain just as delightful. If you want to refresh them, a brief time in the fridge after thawing helps!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for the smoothest filling.
Don’t skip the cooling time – it’s crucial for clean cuts and better flavor melding.
If the top of your cheesecake gets too brown, cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Feel free to customize toppings, like crushed nuts or more fresh cranberries, to add a fun twist!
These bars are perfect for making ahead of time; just prep the day before your event.

These Christmas Cheesecake Bars are a lovely reminder of joyful moments with family. With their creamy texture and beautiful flavors, they’re sure to become a holiday staple in your home. I encourage you to experiment, perhaps spice them up with a hint of cinnamon or even add a zest of orange to the cranberry layer. This is your holiday kitchen, where sweetness and joy collide! I can’t wait for you to enjoy every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time and can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just ensure they’re stored properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, making them an ideal option for busy holiday schedules.

How can I customize the cranberry mixture?

Feel free to add different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for an added twist! You can also spice it up with a touch of cinnamon or orange zest to enhance the flavor profile of the cranberries.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese, consider using mascarpone cheese for a different flavor and texture. Coconut cream can also be a good dairy-free option, though the flavor will vary.

How do I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking?

To avoid cracks, ensure that the mixer speed is low once you add the eggs, and make sure to bake at a consistent temperature. Also, cooling gradually—first at room temperature and then chilling in the fridge—helps maintain that smooth surface.