Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Are you looking for a festive and delicious dessert to share with family and friends this holiday season? Look no further than our delightful recipe for Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars. These bars are a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet cherry filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust. They are sure to become a favorite at your next gathering or special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of these scrumptious bars ready to enjoy in no time!

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 6 tablespoons butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2/3 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.
4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 2/3 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the surface.
7. Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set.
9. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.
10. Serve the Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars on a decorative platter and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fruity cherry topping with your loved ones!

These Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat to bring some holiday cheer to your table. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress. With their creamy texture, buttery crust, and sweet cherry flavor, they are a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Make a batch today and watch them disappear in no time!