Ah, Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars! Just the thought of them brings back the best memories of holiday baking sessions in my kitchen! These bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, zesty oranges, and tangy cranberries, perfectly balancing sweetness and tartness. I love whipping these up for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. The bright colors and flavors remind me of Christmas mornings, filled with laughter and the faint scent of citrus wafting through the air. Not to mention, they look so festive that they double as a centerpiece on any dessert table!
There’s something magical about how the tart cranberries complement the creamy filling, while the orange zest adds a refreshing touch. These bars are perfect for sharing, but I won’t judge if you keep them all for yourself (I certainly have!). It’s hard to resist just one more square!
What’s in Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These will be the base of our cheesecake bars, providing a perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth filling. I prefer using plain graham crackers, but chocolate can add an interesting twist if you feel adventurous!
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, giving our crust a rich flavor. Just a quick note – always go for unsalted butter for better control on the saltiness of the dish.
Granulated Sugar: A little bit of sweetness to balance out our tart cranberries. It’s a cheesecake after all; we need that touch of sweetness!
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! This provides the creamy texture we’re all after. A full-fat version works best here for that rich cheesecake vibe.
Eggs: They help to bind the cheesecake filling together while adding to the creaminess.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream gives the filling a slightly tangy kick and enhances the creaminess factor.
Fresh Cranberries: The tartness of the cranberries adds a lovely pop of flavor and color. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen is a good alternative, just don’t thaw them!
Orange Zest: This brings a delightful citrus aroma and taste to the cheesecake bars. I love zesting just before adding it to the mix—the smell is to die for!
Is Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
While these bars aren’t exactly what you’d call a health dessert, they do have some redeeming qualities!
Cranberries: These little gems are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They can also support urinary health and may improve heart health.
Orange Zest: Not only does it add delightful flavor, but it’s also rich in vitamin C, which is great for boosting your immune system, especially during the winter months.
But let’s be real: these bars are a treat! They do come with sugar and fat, thanks to the cream cheese and the crust. Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be just fine.
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
– ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
– ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
– 16 oz Cream Cheese, softened
– ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (for filling)
– 3 large Eggs
– ½ cup Sour Cream
– 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
– Zest of 1 large Orange
This recipe will serve about 12 hungry dessert lovers!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Graham Cracker Crumbs, melted Butter, and Granulated Sugar until well mixed.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan evenly. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened Cream Cheese and Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the Sour Cream and Orange Zest until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the Fresh Cranberries with a spatula.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
9. Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Sweet Tips for Your Bars!
– For a fun twist, you can add a chocolate swirl by melting some chocolate and drizzling it on top before baking.
– These bars can be made ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
– Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
I encourage you to give these Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars a try! They are sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. Once you bite into that creamy goodness, you’ll understand why they’re one of my favorites. I can’t wait to hear how your baking adventures turn out! Happy baking!