When the holiday season rolls around, there's nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing delicious treats with loved ones. Among the many delightful desserts that grace our tables during this time, cheesecake bars stand out as a true crowd - pleaser. These yummy cheesecake bars are not only perfect for the holidays but also incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal choice for any Christmas gathering.
Let's start with the crust. The foundation of a great cheesecake bar is a buttery, crumbly crust that provides a perfect contrast to the creamy filling. To make the crust, you'll need some graham crackers, melted butter, and a touch of sugar. Simply crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this task, which will make the process quick and efficient. Once the crackers are crushed, add the melted butter and sugar. Stir well until the mixture is evenly moistened. The texture should be like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking pan. You can use a 9x13 - inch pan for a larger batch or a smaller pan if you want to make fewer bars. Make sure to press the crust evenly across the bottom and up the sides slightly. This will give your cheesecake bars a nice, sturdy base.
Now, let's move on to the star of the show - the cheesecake filling. You'll need cream cheese, which is the heart of any cheesecake. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for about an hour before you start making the filling. This will ensure that it mixes smoothly and evenly. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it's smooth and creamy. Add sugar to the cream cheese and continue to beat until well - combined. The sugar will sweeten the filling and give it a lovely flavor. Next, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs help to bind the filling together and give it a rich, custard - like texture. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for a hint of warm, sweet flavor. Vanilla is a classic addition to cheesecake and pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
Once the filling is ready, pour it over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the crust. Smooth the top of the filling to make it look nice and presentable. You can also get creative and add some toppings at this stage. For a Christmas - themed touch, you can sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top of the filling. The red and white stripes of the candy canes will add a festive look to your cheesecake bars. Or, you can add some fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. The bright colors of the berries will not only look beautiful but also add a burst of fresh flavor to the rich cheesecake.
Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature, usually around 325°F (163°C). Place the baking pan with the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 - 35 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is almost set. You don't want the cheesecake to be completely firm in the center because it will continue to set as it cools. After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least a few hours or overnight. Chilling the cheesecake bars will make them easier to cut and will also enhance the flavor.
When it's time to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake bars into squares. You can dust the top of the bars with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. These cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit at any holiday party. They're rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner or bringing a dessert to a friend's gathering, these easy - to - make cheesecake bars will definitely impress any holiday guests. So, this holiday season, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and start baking these delicious cheesecake bars. Your taste buds - and your guests - will thank you!
