The Best Christmas Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Nothing says festive like creamy, sweet, and colorful Christmas Cheesecake Bars! These decadent treats are the perfect blend of rich cheesecake, buttery sugar cookie crust, and festive holiday sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe is bound to impress your guests.

Why Christmas Cheesecake Bars Are Perfect for the Holidays

Christmas Cheesecake Bars are not only visually appealing but incredibly delicious. Combining the richness of cheesecake with the crunch of sugar cookie crust creates a mouthwatering experience. Topped with stabilized whipped cream frosting and vibrant holiday sprinkles, these bars are a festive centerpiece for any dessert table.

The simplicity of baking them in a pan makes this dessert hassle-free and easy to transport. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making holiday prep less stressful.

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Crust

• 150 g (1¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 12 g (1½ Tbsp) powdered sugar, sifted
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 113 g (½ cup / 1 stick) salted butter, melted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling

• 450 g (2 bricks / 16 oz) full-fat cream cheese, very soft (70–74°F)
• 93 g (⅓ cup + 2 Tbsp) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 110 g (⅓ cup + 2 Tbsp) sour cream, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• ¼ tsp salt
• 80 g (½ cup) Christmas jimmies sprinkles

Stabilized Whipped Cream Frosting

• 113 g (½ brick / 4 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature (68-72°F)
• 30 g (¼ cup) powdered sugar, sifted
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
• 240 mL (1 cup) heavy cream, very cold

Topping

• 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 20 minutes with the door slightly ajar.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 4: Prepare Stabilized Whipped Cream Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add cold heavy cream, whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread the whipped cream frosting over the chilled cheesecake bars.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Sprinkle additional Christmas sprinkles over the top.
2. Carefully slice into bars and serve chilled.

Pro Tips 

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can introduce air bubbles, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
• Chill Time: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but overnight provides the best flavor and texture.
• Use High-Quality Sprinkles: Cheap sprinkles may bleed color into the batter. Use high-quality nonpareils or jimmies.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 27g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 18g

Health Concerns

• High in Sugar and Fat: This dessert is indulgent and best enjoyed in moderation.
• Allergens: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. Adjust for dietary restrictions accordingly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Festive and visually appealing
• Easy to make ahead
• Perfect for holiday gatherings

Cons:

• High in calories and sugar
• Requires long chilling time

FAQs  About

How long do Christmas Cheesecake Bars last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they last for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze cheesecake bars?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

Can I skip the sprinkles?
Absolutely! They’re for decoration and can be omitted without affecting the recipe.

Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overbaking or sudden temperature changes can cause cracks. Follow the cooling instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Christmas Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate holiday treat that combines rich, creamy flavors with festive charm. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Happy baking!

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