Delicious Cranberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the richness of cheesecake, look no further! These Cranberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are not only visually appealing but also perfectly balanced in flavor—sweet, tart, and creamy all at once. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
3. Add the cold butter cubes into the mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Take about 2/3 of the crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside the remaining crumble for the topping.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract. If you opt to use cornstarch, mix it in at this stage for a thicker filling.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the cheesecake layer to create a decadent crumble topping.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center might have a slight jiggle—this is normal as it will firm up as it cools.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight, for best results).

Step 5: Serve

1. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy the creamy, tart, and crumbly goodness!

Tips for Success

• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work in a pinch. Just make sure not to thaw them before adding to the filling.
• Storage: The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly and store for up to three months.
• Serving Suggestions: These bars can be served plain or drizzled with a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a buttery crumble topping, luscious cheesecake filling, and an explosion of cranberry flavor, they are sure to delight everyone who tries them. So why not add this scrumptious recipe to your dessert repertoire? Happy baking!