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There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery crumb topping. These Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars bring all those dreamy flavors together in an irresistible treat. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a soft, luscious filling and a delightfully crunchy topping. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Whether you’re making these for a holiday dessert, a weekend indulgence, or just because you deserve something delicious, they’re sure to impress. Plus, they’re easier to make than they look! Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
Versatile: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a cozy dessert night, or even a midweek treat, these bars fit any occasion. They’re just as good with a cup of coffee in the morning as they are after dinner.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. No fancy ingredients, just classic, comforting flavors.
Easy to Make: Despite their impressive layers, these bars are surprisingly simple to put together. You don’t need to be a baking pro—just follow the steps, and you’ll have bakery-worthy results.
Perfectly Balanced: The tangy cranberries cut through the richness of the cheesecake, making every bite pure perfection. It’s sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars taste even better after chilling, which makes them a great dessert to prepare in advance. Perfect for when you want to plan ahead!
Ingredients in Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
Here’s what makes these bars so special:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of our crust. Buttery, slightly sweet, and the perfect foundation for the creamy filling.
Butter: Melted butter binds the crust and crumb topping together, adding rich flavor and a deliciously crisp texture.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in every layer.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer! Softened cream cheese creates the smooth, tangy, and creamy filling we all love.
Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake filling together and give it structure.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and warmth of the cheesecake layer.
Fresh Cranberries: The jewel of this recipe! Their tartness balances out the sweetness and makes every bite pop with flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the cranberry layer slightly, helping it stay in place when you cut into the bars.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible bars:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and the perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking dish.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
Prepare the Cranberry Layer: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then spread it over the cheesecake layer.
Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until you get a crumbly texture. Sprinkle evenly over the cranberry layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set.
Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy! They’re delicious as-is or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
How to Serve Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
These bars are incredibly versatile! Here’s how you can enjoy them:
With a Hot Drink: A cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these bars.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra touch of indulgence.
With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream alongside a warm bar? Absolutely divine.
As a Party Dessert: Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear at gatherings!
Additional Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Make Ahead: These bars actually taste better the next day, so feel free to prepare them in advance.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes! No need to thaw them first—just cook them a bit longer in the saucepan.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Swap the graham crackers for a gluten-free version and use a gluten-free flour blend in the topping.
Q3: What if I don’t have graham crackers?
A3: You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies.
Q4: Can I reduce the sugar?
A4: Yes! If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the cheesecake layer or cranberry filling.
Q5: Do I have to chill the bars before serving?
A5: Yes! Chilling helps set the layers, making them easier to slice and enhancing the flavor.
Q6: Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?
A6: Sure! Try raspberries, cherries, or even blueberries for a different twist.
Q7: What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
A7: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, bakery-style squares.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! Just bake it in a larger dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
Q9: Can I add nuts to the topping?
A9: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a great crunch.
Q10: How do I know when they’re done?
A10: The cheesecake should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center—it will firm up as it cools.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of tart, sweet, creamy, and crunchy—all in one bite. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just treating yourself to something special, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, featuring a luscious cranberry compote layered over creamy cheesecake and a buttery crumb crust. This easy dessert is great for the holidays or any time you’re craving a fruity cheesecake treat!
Ingredients
Cranberry Compote:
- 1 bag (340g) cranberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp vanilla
Crumb:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Cheesecake:
- 1 block (250g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a pot, combine cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until crumbly. If too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and egg with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to form a crust. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust.
- Spoon the cranberry compote over the cheesecake layer and gently spread. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts to the crumb topping.
- Swap cranberries for raspberries or cherries for a different flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg