Imagine sinking your teeth into a heavenly dessert that perfectly balances tangy cranberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery streusel topping. These Cranberry Streusel Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration of flavors. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or craving a luxurious treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup streusel topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to create a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Distribute fresh or frozen cranberries evenly across the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle streusel topping generously over the cranberry layer, covering most of the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set completely.
- Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 even squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled and store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free mixing.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker crust.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the cheesecake layer to prevent color bleeding.
- Create perfectly clean cuts by wiping your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice.
- For a more intense cranberry flavor, you can briefly cook cranberries with a little sugar before adding them to the bars.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly for the best texture and easiest cutting.
- For a festive touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
