Imagine a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the tangy burst of cranberry, and a decadent chocolate drizzle - all in one irresistible bite! These Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they're a festive experience that will transform your holiday gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a family celebration or looking for a show-stopping treat, these bars promise to be the star of your dessert table, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and chocolatey flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined and crumbly.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Gently spread the cranberry sauce over the graham cracker crust, creating an even layer.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cranberry sauce, carefully spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set and edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cheesecake bars using a spoon or piping bag.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow bars to set completely.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, cut into squares, and serve chilled.
Tips
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don't overmix the cheesecake batter - this can introduce too much air and cause cracking.
- Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
- Allow bars to cool completely before adding chocolate drizzle to prevent melting.
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped with a hot, damp cloth between slices.
- Refrigerate bars overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
