Cranberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These cranberry cheesecake bars are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for the holiday season, this Thanksgiving recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

The bars are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for festive gatherings. With a buttery crust and a smooth cheesecake filling topped with a cranberry swirl, they are both visually appealing and delicious.

Delicious Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

This recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a creamy cheesecake filling and a vibrant cranberry topping. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, and the bars need to chill for a couple of hours before serving, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar (for cranberry topping)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Prepare the Cranberry Topping: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and 1/4 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in cornstarch and cook for an additional minute.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cranberry topping over the cheesecake filling and use a knife to swirl it gently.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy!