These Holiday Cherry Cheese Bars are the perfect festive dessert that balances rich, creamy textures with bright fruit flavors. The base is a buttery, crumbly crust made with flour, brown sugar, walnuts, and coconut, providing a delightful crunch. The center features a smooth, dense cream cheese filling that bakes until just set. A layer of sweet cherry pie filling adds a burst of tartness and color, while a final sprinkle of reserved crust crumbs and walnuts adds texture. They are easy to make ahead, making them ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve chilled for the best sliceable consistency.
Holiday Cherry Cheese Bars
Description
These Holiday Cherry Cheese Bars are the perfect festive dessert that balances rich, creamy textures with bright fruit flavors. The base is a buttery, crumbly crust made with flour, brown sugar, walnuts, and coconut, providing a delightful crunch. The center features a smooth, dense cream cheese filling that bakes until just set. A layer of sweet cherry pie filling adds a burst of tartness and color, while a final sprinkle of reserved crust crumbs and walnuts adds texture. They are easy to make ahead, making them ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve chilled for the best sliceable consistency.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
-
Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with Butter Flavor Crisco.
-
Coarsely chop 1/2 cup of the walnuts and set aside for the topping.
-
Finely chop the remaining 1/2 cup of walnuts.
-
In a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar.
-
Cut in the Butter Flavor Crisco until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
-
Stir in the finely chopped walnuts and flake coconut.
-
Remove and reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
-
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
-
While the crust bakes, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
-
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the hot baked crust.
-
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
-
Remove from oven and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheese layer.
-
Combine the reserved crumb mixture and the coarsely chopped walnuts.
-
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cherry layer.
-
Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes longer.
-
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
-
Refrigerate for several hours until firm.
-
Cut into 2x1.5-inch bars before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 36
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2931.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 214.4g330%
- Saturated Fat 112.6g563%
- Cholesterol 505.8mg169%
- Sodium 1547.7mg65%
- Total Carbohydrate 216.5g73%
- Dietary Fiber 17.2g69%
- Sugars 125.5g
- Protein 50.3g101%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute real butter for the Butter Flavor Crisco in the crust for a richer flavor. Use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet crust.
Variations: Try using other fruit pie fillings such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach for different flavor profiles.
Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
Safety: Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and sogginess.
