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 (16 oz, fresh or frozen); Granulated Sugar (1 cup); Vanilla Extract (2 tsp, divided); Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 1/2 cups); Unsalted Butter (9 tbsp, melted); Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup); Cream Cheese (32 oz total, softened); Eggs (2, room temperature); Sour Cream (2 tbsp); Vanilla Bean (scraped out); Heavy Whipping Cream (3/4 cup, and 1 1/2 cups cold); Cornstarch (2 tbsp); White Chocolate Melting Chips (6 oz); White Chocolate Bar

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The kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of baking as the holidays approach, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that draws family and friends together. Imagine slicing into a creamy, velvety cheesecake bar, its rich texture melting in your mouth, while delightful flecks of tart cranberry and smooth white chocolate dance playfully on your taste buds. Each bite of these Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars) captures the essence of the season, combining the joy of indulgence with a splash of festive cheer.

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)

I remember the first time I baked cheesecake bars for our family Christmas gathering; my grandmother taught me how to make the buttery graham cracker crust and we spent the afternoon laughing over bowls of vibrant crimson cranberries and silky white chocolate. Those warm moments have become the centerpiece of our family traditions, making these bars a must-have each December. You’ll want to share them too—trust me, these Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars) will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy holiday baking marathons!
Irresistible Flavor: The tartness of cranberries combined with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars are absolutely gorgeous, making them perfect for festive platters or as gifts.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert after a festive meal, or even a luxurious breakfast treat!
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is rich and decadent, consider options to adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cranberries (16 oz, fresh or frozen): These can either add a refreshing tartness or a jeweled pop of color to your bars; if using frozen, no need to thaw.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This white sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries; if you’re looking for alternatives, try coconut sugar, but it may change the color slightly.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp, divided): Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavors beautifully; avoid imitation for the best taste.
Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 1/2 cups): This creates a delicious crust. Feel free to use gluten-free crackers as a substitution.
Unsalted Butter (9 tbsp, melted): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness; be sure it’s melted for an easy mix.
Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of caramel-like depth to the crust, enriching the overall flavor.
Cream Cheese (32 oz total, softened): Full-fat is key for creaminess; avoid low-fat as it can affect texture.
Eggs (2, room temperature): They help bind everything together for that perfect creamy bake.
Sour Cream (2 tbsp): This adds richness and a slight tang; Greek yogurt can work as a substitute.
Vanilla Bean (scraped out): The natural vanilla flecks will enhance the flavor and appearance; use extract if not available.
Heavy Whipping Cream (3/4 cup, and 1 1/2 cups cold): Required for making delicious whipped cream; ensure it’s cold for fluffiness.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Helps with the structure of the bars; arrowroot powder can be an effective substitute.
White Chocolate Melting Chips (6 oz): They bring sweetness and smooth texture; choose higher-quality brands for the best results.
White Chocolate Bar: For garnishing; feel free to use chips if that’s more practical.

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

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This small step is vital; it simplifies clean-up and keeps your crust intact!

Combine Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. It should hold together when pressed between your fingers; if it crumbles too easily, add a touch more melted butter.

Press the Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan, firmly pressing it down into an even layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers for this step—don’t skip it because a well-packed crust ensures it won’t crumble when cutting.

Bake the Crust: Place the crust into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. This method sets the crust and gives it a bit of stability. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to brown ever so slightly!

Make the Cranberry Filling: While the crust is baking, get the cranberries going. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries and 1 cup of sugar with a splash of water. Stir occasionally, letting them cook until they start to burst and thicken into a lovely compote—about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and cool completely.

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, then mix in sour cream, eggs, and the vanilla bean contents. Ensure everything is well incorporated; this mixture should be smooth and luxurious with no lumps.

Incorporate Cornstarch and Melted Chocolate: Sprinkle in cornstarch, then slowly fold in melted white chocolate until uniform. This is where the magic happens—trust me, your bars will be super creamy because of this addition!

Pour and Layer: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the top, then dollop with remaining cheesecake filling. Use a knife to swirl gently—it’s okay if some cranberry filling peeks through; it makes for a beautiful presentation!

Bake Until Golden: Bake the layered masterpiece for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a touch underdone. You want that smooth, luscious texture!

Cool and Chill: Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about an hour before transferring to the fridge. Ideally, chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is perfect!) to let the flavors meld and set beautifully.

Serve with Whipped Cream: When ready to serve, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with a bit of sugar until fluffy. Spread over the chilled cheesecake bars and consider adding shavings of white chocolate for a stunning final touch!

Storing & Reheating

These incredible Christmas Cheesecake Bars can be stored at room temperature for 2 hours, but you’ll want to refrigerate them if making ahead of time—keep in a sealed container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and refresh the texture with a quick whip of cream if need be.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature for a smooth filling with no lumps.
Keep an eye on the baking time—oven variations can change it slightly, so check regularly after the 30-minute mark.
Cool the cranberry mixture completely before adding to the bars, helping them set evenly.
If you’re looking for a stronger cranberry flavor, consider increasing the amount by a half cup.
Make these ahead for stress-free entertaining; they’re even better the next day as the flavors combine.

Enjoy the sweet taste of tradition with these Christmas Cheesecake Bars (Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Bars)!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones, saving you a bit of prep time. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking; just toss them straight into the saucepan and let them bubble into a beautiful compote!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make your cheesecake bars gluten-free, simply swap out regular graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed almond flour cookies. This way, you won’t sacrifice flavor or texture while accommodating dietary needs.

What’s the best way to cut cheesecake bars cleanly?

To achieve neat, clean cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before slicing. Wipe the knife with a paper towel after each cut. This technique will keep your layers beautifully intact!

Can I substitute the white chocolate?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of white chocolate or simply want a twist, dark chocolate can be used instead. You’ll get a richer flavor, so adjust the sweetness if needed—dark chocolate tends to be less sweet than white.