Get ready to treat yourself to something special this holiday season! These Candy Cane Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with a festive peppermint twist, perfect for holiday gatherings. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can impress your friends and family without stress. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that brings the joy of candy canes right to your dessert table. You won’t want to miss out on this festive delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: This cheesecake bars are infused with peppermint and crushed candy canes, making them a delightful holiday treat that captures the spirit of the season.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
- Decadent Texture: With a creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars offer a rich and satisfying dessert experience that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these cheesecake bars are easy to serve and share, making them ideal for parties and potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¾ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
The ingredients for Candy Cane Cheesecake Bars mix fun and festivity. The graham cracker crumbs form a perfect crust. I love using unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Just two tablespoons of sugar make the crust sweet yet balanced.
For the creamy filling, I use 16 ounces of softened cream cheese. This makes the bars rich and smooth. Powdered sugar adds sweetness without grittiness, while vanilla extract gives a warm touch. The two large eggs help bind the filling. Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang.
Peppermint extract is key for that holiday flavor. I like to use ¾ cup of crushed candy canes for both flavor and crunch. If you want extra sweetness, adding chocolate chips is a great option.
These ingredients come together to create a festive treat that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Crust
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step helps your bars bake evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until combined.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan. Make sure it is even.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once done, take it out and set it aside to cool.
Making the Cheesecake Mixture
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese using an electric mixer. Mix until it is smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until you can’t see any lumps.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and ½ cup of sour cream. Mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
4. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing after each one. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the texture nice and smooth.
Final Steps
1. Gently fold in ¾ cup of crushed candy canes and ¼ cup of chocolate chips if you want. Make sure they are spread evenly in the batter.
2. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it out evenly.
3. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle.
4. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the bars inside. Keep the door slightly open for about an hour to cool down.
5. Transfer the bars to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 3-4 hours until they are fully set.
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the cheesecake batter: This can make your bars dense. Mix until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. They will bake out.
- Not cooling the bars properly: Cooling is key! If you cut the bars too soon, they may fall apart. Let them cool in the oven for an hour, then chill in the fridge for at least three hours.
Perfecting the Recipe
- Adjusting sweetness levels: Taste your batter. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more powdered sugar. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference!
- Adding festive garnishes: Top your bars with extra crushed candy canes. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top. This adds flavor and looks beautiful on a holiday table.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and prevents lumps.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the eggs, mix until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air and cause cracks in your cheesecake.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill completely in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: For the best presentation, add crushed candy canes on top right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Variations
Flavor Alternatives
You can mix it up with different flavors. For a chocolate peppermint variation, add ¼ cup of chocolate chips to the cheesecake mixture. The rich chocolate pairs well with the minty taste. If you prefer a vanilla bean option, swap the peppermint extract with 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste. This will keep it creamy and smooth, perfect for those who like classic flavors.
Other Serving Suggestions
Want to serve these treats in a new way? Try making individual cheesecake cups. Just layer the crust and cheesecake mix in small cups. It makes for a fun, easy dessert. You can also create mini bars or bites. Cut the cheesecake into smaller squares for a perfect bite-sized treat. These options are sure to impress your guests and make serving easier.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your candy cane cheesecake bars fresh, store them properly.
- Refrigeration: Place the cheesecake bars in an airtight container. They will stay good in the fridge for up to one week. This keeps them moist and tasty.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer.
How to Thaw
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cheesecake bars, follow these steps:
1. Remove from Freezer: Take the bars out of the freezer and leave them wrapped.
2. Thaw in Fridge: Place the wrapped bars in the fridge for about 4 to 6 hours. This slow thawing keeps the texture nice.
3. Serve: Once thawed, unwrap the bars and enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. In fact, chilling them overnight can boost their flavor. This also helps the bars firm up nicely. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap after they cool. When you are ready to serve, simply cut them into squares and enjoy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a cream cheese substitute, try using mascarpone cheese. It has a similar texture and flavor. You can also use ricotta cheese, but it may change the taste a bit. For a vegan option, use cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese. These will keep the bars creamy.
How do I make the bars dairy-free?
To make these bars dairy-free, replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese. You can also swap sour cream with coconut yogurt. Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter for the crust. Always check labels to avoid hidden dairy in ingredients.
Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?
Fresh mint can add a nice touch, but it has a different flavor. If you prefer fresh mint, chop it finely and use about 1 tablespoon. This gives a bright flavor but won’t be as strong as peppermint extract. Adjust to taste for the best results.
This blog post showed you how to make delicious cheesecake bars step by step. We covered the key ingredients, from graham crackers to crushed candy canes. You learned common mistakes and how to avoid them for the best results. We explored tasty variations and how to store your treats.
In closing, this recipe is simple and fun. You can impress friends and family with these festive bars. So gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy every bite of your sweet creation.
