Cranberry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious blend of creamy, tangy cheesecake and the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, all set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a festive dessert that’s easy to serve and share. The cranberry sauce adds a vibrant color and a refreshing contrast to the rich, smooth cheesecake layer. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on classic cheesecake or a crowd-pleasing dessert for the fall and winter seasons, these cranberry cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cranberry sauce on top of the cheesecake layer and use a knife to gently swirl it into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve. These bars are delicious on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
These Cranberry Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, tart flavor of cranberries, creating a perfect holiday dessert that everyone will love!
