Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars: A Festive Delight
Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are the perfect holiday dessert, combining a rich, creamy cheesecake base with bursts of sweet cherries and the nutty crunch of pistachios. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning with its vibrant red and green hues but also incredibly satisfying, capturing the essence of Christmas flavors in every bite.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $$
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheesecake bars are a fantastic addition to your holiday dessert lineup. Easy to make and bursting with festive flavors, they bring a lovely balance of creaminess and texture with every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or as a special treat for family, these bars are sure to be a hit.
You’ll appreciate their versatility, too. Not only are they great for serving alongside other desserts, but they can also be tailored to suit different flavor profiles with simple swaps and additions.
Context/Background
The combination of cherries and pistachios offers a nod to classic holiday flavors, each bringing a unique element to the table. Pistachios have a rich history, often associated with luxury and indulgence, while cherries add brightness and a touch of tartness that balances the creamy cheesecake beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Ensure that the bars only set and don’t overbake, preventing a dry texture.
- Not allowing to cool: Let the cheesecake bars cool completely before cutting to avoid them falling apart.
- Improper cream cheese temperature: Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth blend.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
- Chill the bars thoroughly before serving for the best texture.
- Use fresh cherries for the most vibrant flavor.
- Line your baking pan for easy removal and clean edges.
- Feel free to substitute the cherries with another berry, if preferred.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap cherries for dried cranberries to enhance the festive touch.
- Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers in the crust.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine. For added flair, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Leftovers
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the crust and filling a day in advance and bake. Then, allow the bars to cool and refrigerate overnight. This not only saves time on the day of serving but also enhances the flavors.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian
- Can be made gluten-free with substitutions
The Recipe
Serves: 16
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle cherries and pistachios on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Recipe Notes
- Ensure cherries are completely deseeded to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- Use unsalted pistachios to keep the dessert from becoming too salty.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #CheesecakeFestivity on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, just ensure they’re thawed completely and drained.
- What if I don’t have pistachios? Almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutions.