Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars bring a festive touch to any holiday dessert table. These creamy cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla filling, and a tart cranberry swirl that cuts through the richness beautifully. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
1. Ingredients
For the Cranberry Swirl:
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
2. Cooking Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Cooling time: 2 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 5 minutes
3. Serving Quantity
- Makes 12–16 bars
4. Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the berries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Blend until smooth, then let cool.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla and sour cream until creamy.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve chilled.
5. Nutrition (per bar)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
6. Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter—it keeps the texture smooth
