Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars: A Festive Delight

Indulge in the festive flavors of our Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars. These delightful dessert bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, tangy cherry, and nutty pistachio, making them an ideal treat for your holiday celebrations.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
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li>Cost: $$

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavors that celebrate the joy of the season. The creamy and smooth cheesecake layer complements the tart cherries and crunchy pistachios, offering a delightful contrast in every bite. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a holiday treat yourself.

Context/Background

Cheesecake bars are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert, and when you add holiday flavors like cherries and pistachios, they become even more special. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional cheesecake recipes but adds a festive twist to suit the occasion.

• Overmixing the batter, which can introduce air bubbles and affect the texture.
• Baking at too high a temperature can cause the cheesecake to crack.
• Not allowing the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating can result in a runny texture.
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Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Chill the bars thoroughly for clean and perfect slices.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap cherry pie filling with raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
• Add a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for added freshness.
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Serving Suggestions

Serve these cheesecake bars chilled, and pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a festive hot chocolate for a satisfying holiday dessert experience.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy them chilled for the best texture and taste.

Make Ahead Instructions

These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance. Prepare and refrigerate until ready to serve, which enhances the flavors.

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h2>Nutritional Information
• Calories: 320
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
<
li>Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g
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Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian
• Contains nuts and dairy

The Recipe

Serves: 12

<
p>Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 60 mins

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h3>Kitchen Equipment Needed
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
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li>Spatula
• Wire rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
<
li>1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
<
li>1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
<
li>1 cup cherry pie filling
• 1/4 cup additional chopped pistachios for topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
<
li>In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pistachios, and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
3. Pour cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the top, then sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios.
<
li>Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until filling is set and edges are lightly golden.
4. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Recipe Notes

• For a crunchier base, bake the crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer.
<
li>Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference.

Community Tips and Photos

Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #ChristmasCheesecakeJoy on social media.

Questions and Answers

• Can I freeze these cheesecake bars? Yes, wrap them individually in freezer-safe wrap and store for up to 2 months.
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li>What’s the best way to chop pistachios? Use a food processor or a sharp knife for even chopping.