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Festive Holiday Squares

Featured in Treats That Make Everything Better.

These simple bars combine a cookie crust, creamy cheesecake, cherry fruitiness, and toasted almonds for a buttery holiday dessert.

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Clare Recipes
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 03:09:31 GMT
Close view of dessert layers including creamy filling, shiny cherries, and powdered sugar dusting. Pin it
Close view of dessert layers including creamy filling, shiny cherries, and powdered sugar dusting. | lilicooks.com

My festive Cherry Cheesecake Squares always brighten up our Christmas get-togethers! I've whipped these up for so many seasons now, and that mix of flaky base, smooth cheesecake, juicy cherries and crunchy nuts makes everyone grin from ear to ear. Whenever I show up with them at holiday parties, folks gather round begging to know how I make them. There's something truly special about those colorful layers that just screams holiday spirit.

A Cherished Christmas Custom

I first baked these squares for our family Christmas meetups and they've turned into a holiday essential. The creamy luscious center mixed with those sweet cherries feels so merry and decadent. The buttery base and nutty almond sprinkle finish everything off just right. My home fills with the most wonderful aroma while they bake, and seeing everyone's delight with their first taste makes my day completely.

Ingredients For Your Holiday Wonder

  • Sugar Cookie Mix: This helps us cut corners for the tastiest base and topping you'll ever have.
  • Cold Butter: I grab unsalted so we can adjust the taste exactly how we want.
  • Cream Cheese: Let it sit out until it's completely soft for that smooth middle section.
  • Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount for perfect sweetness.
  • All Purpose Flour: A small bit helps our filling set up nicely.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Don't skimp here, quality makes a huge difference.
  • Fresh Egg: This binds everything perfectly.
  • Cherry Pie Filling: These bright red beauties make it look so festive.
  • Toasted Almonds: I can't get enough of the snap they give on top.

Steps To Craft Holiday Delight

Getting Started:
I heat my oven to 350°F right away and put foil in my baking dish. A quick spray of non stick stuff keeps everything from sticking.
Making Our Base:
I combine the cookie mix with cold butter until it looks like crumbs. I keep some for later, press most into the pan and bake it quick for 10 minutes. The kitchen already smells fantastic.
Creating the Creamy Layer:
While the bottom cools, I beat the cream cheese mix until it's totally smooth. This is when things start getting good.
Building the Layers:
After cooling, I spread that velvety cream cheese mix over the bottom, then top with those gorgeous cherries.
The Grand Finale:
I stir the leftover crumbs with toasted almonds and scatter them all over. Then back in the oven until it turns golden and gorgeous.
Patience is Key:
Now comes the tough part – waiting! Let it cool then stick it in the fridge to firm up completely. Believe me, you'll be glad you waited.
A close-up of layered dessert bars featuring a berry filling, topped with a crumbly layer and garnished with two cherries. Pin it
A close-up of layered dessert bars featuring a berry filling, topped with a crumbly layer and garnished with two cherries. | lilicooks.com

Clever Baking Shortcuts

I've picked up a few tricks after making these squares for years. Keep your butter ice cold for the best crumbly texture. Don't rush the cooling time before adding the cheesecake part. I sometimes add a drop of almond extract and it's amazing. And always make sure they're properly chilled before slicing so they'll look absolutely perfect.

What Makes These Squares So Popular

These treats have become what I'm known for during the holidays and it's pretty obvious why. The mix of smooth, tangy and sweet hits all the right notes. They're much quicker than making a whole cheesecake but still wow everyone. Each component brings its own special touch and together they create something truly memorable for Christmas time.

Ways To Switch Things Up

  • Try Different Berries: I've used blueberry filling before and it tastes absolutely delicious.
  • Keep it Nut Free: For anyone with allergies, just use extra crumb mixture on top instead.
  • Add Some Chocolate: Try pouring melted chocolate over everything for something really special.
  • Extra Holiday Sparkle: My little ones go crazy when I sprinkle red and green sugar on top.
A close-up of cherry dessert bars topped with shiny cherries and sprinkled with powdered sugar, served on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of cherry dessert bars topped with shiny cherries and sprinkled with powdered sugar, served on a white plate. | lilicooks.com

Spreading Holiday Cheer

I love giving these squares right from the fridge when they're nice and cold. They go great with hot coffee or cocoa on the side. Sometimes I'll add a bit of whipped cream and put a cherry on top when I'm feeling extra fancy. They've turned into a big part of our Christmas traditions and work great as homemade presents for friends and neighbors too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the point of foil lining?

It makes it easier to lift the treat out, slice it neatly, and speeds up cleanup time.

→ Why stick to cold butter?

Cold butter keeps the crust crumbly and perfect for streusel texture.

→ Why chill them first?

Chilling helps firm up the cheesecake filling and gives you cleaner cuts when slicing.

→ Can I switch the pie filling?

You sure can! Swap the cherry out for blueberry, apple, or whatever you like.

→ What’s the big deal with toasting almonds?

Toasting boosts their flavor and makes them extra crunchy for the topping.

Cherry Cookie Bars

Rich layers of cheesecake, cherries, and crunchy almond topping on a sugar cookie crust. A simple holiday favorite.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (Makes 16 pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8.5 ounces packaged sugar cookie mix.
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled.
03 8 ounces softened cream cheese.
04 1/4 cup white sugar.
05 1 tablespoon plain flour.
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.
07 1 large egg, at room temp.
08 1/2 can of canned cherry filling.
09 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Cover your pan with foil and spray it lightly to avoid sticking.

Step 02

Combine the butter and cookie mix until it resembles crumbs. Keep 3/4 cup aside for topping.

Step 03

Spread the rest of the crumbly dough in the pan and bake for about 10 minutes. It should be slightly soft.

Step 04

Blend the cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg together until it's lump-free.

Step 05

Pour the cream cheese mix over the crust, then add a layer of cherry filling.

Step 06

Mix the almonds with the saved crumbs and sprinkle this over the cherries.

Step 07

Pop it back in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top has a golden look.

Step 08

Let it rest for half an hour on the counter, then put it in the fridge to chill.

Notes

  1. Great choice for festive gatherings.
  2. Keep chilled in the fridge.
  3. You can swap in different fruit fillings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Use an 8x8 or 9x13 pan.
  • Foil for lining the pan.
  • A tool to cut butter into the dough.
  • A couple of mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like butter and cream cheese.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has wheat from the cookie mix and flour.
  • Almonds present as an ingredient.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 4 g