Go Back
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries - ½ cup granulated sugar (for cranberries) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice Each ingredient plays a key role in making your no-bake cranberry cheesecake bars both easy and delicious. The graham cracker crumbs form a crispy, sweet crust. You need unsalted butter to help hold the crust together. Cream cheese gives the filling its rich, creamy texture. Powdered sugar sweetens the filling, making it smooth. Vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor to the cheesecake. Heavy whipping cream is crucial for that light, airy texture. Fresh or frozen cranberries create a tart topping. The granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. Finally, lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps the cranberries cook down into a nice sauce. This mix of ingredients combines to make a treat that is sure to impress. Each step in the recipe uses these ingredients to build layers of taste and texture. You will enjoy the process and the end result, which is a perfect dessert for any occasion. To start, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs look like wet sand. This helps bind the crust together. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Make sure it is even and compact. This step is key for a solid base. Now, place the dish in the fridge while you make the filling. In a clean bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it's smooth and creamy. This will be the rich layer of your cheesecake. In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This adds lightness to the filling. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful here; you want to keep it fluffy! Once your filling is ready, pour it over the chilled crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Tap the dish on the counter a few times to help settle the filling. This helps reduce air bubbles. After this, return the dish to the fridge. Let it set for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. For the topping, combine 1 ½ cups of cranberries, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir until the cranberries start to burst, about 10 to 15 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from heat and let it cool completely. This tart topping will balance the sweet cheesecake. After the cheesecake layer has set, spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor. To serve, lift the cheesecake out of the dish using the edges of parchment paper if you used it. Slice into bars and serve chilled. These bars look great on a platter, especially with a fresh cranberry and mint leaf on top. Enjoy your delicious creation! - Achieving the right consistency with whipped cream: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is key. It makes the cheesecake light and airy. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mix. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This keeps your cheesecake fluffy and smooth. - Importance of chilling time for setting: After pouring the cheesecake filling over the crust, chill it for at least 4 hours. For the best results, leave it overnight. This time helps it to set properly. It also allows the flavors to meld well. - Suggested garnishes: For a lovely touch, garnish each bar with a fresh cranberry and a mint leaf. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for added texture. - Serving suggestions for presentations: Serve the bars on a beautiful platter. This enhances the visual appeal. Place them in a single layer for easy access. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair. - Selecting fresh cranberries: When choosing cranberries, look for firm ones with a bright color. Avoid any that are soft or shriveled. Fresh cranberries create a better topping and add a burst of flavor. - Choosing cream cheese and whipping cream: Always use full-fat cream cheese for a rich taste. Check the expiration date on the cream. Fresh cream ensures the best texture and flavor in your cheesecake. {{image_2}} You can change the cranberry topping to fit your taste. Other berries work great, like strawberries or blueberries. You can even mix them for a colorful look. If you want an easy option, try using fruit preserves or jams. Simply spread them over the cheesecake layer for a quick and tasty topping. To make your bars even more special, add some citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor. You can also spice things up by adding a pinch of cinnamon. This gives your cheesecake bars a warm, cozy taste. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the graham cracker crumbs. Use crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour instead. Check all other ingredients too. Make sure they are gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. To keep your no-bake cranberry cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. If you used parchment paper, leave a bit sticking out. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for later enjoyment. First, slice the bars into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, take a portion out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Serve them chilled for the best taste. In the fridge, the cheesecake bars will last about 5 days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to 2 months. Just be sure to store them properly. This way, you can always have a sweet treat ready when you need it! The cheesecake bars need about 4 hours to set in the fridge. For the best results, I recommend letting them chill overnight. This helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to slice. If you do not wait long enough, they may not hold their shape well. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! They work well in this recipe. Frozen cranberries save time and are often just as tasty. However, they may release more water when cooked. This can make your cranberry topping a bit runnier. Just keep this in mind when preparing your sauce. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you have options. Use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a creamy texture. For a dairy-free choice, try cashew cream or tofu blended until smooth. These alternatives may change the flavor slightly, but they still create a delicious cheesecake layer. Using heavy cream is important for the texture and flavor of the cheesecake. Heavy cream makes the filling rich and creamy. It also helps the bars maintain a nice structure when chilled. If you skip it, the bars may end up too dense or crumbly. This article covered how to make delicious cheesecake bars. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and various storage methods. You learned how to create a smooth filling, a tasty cranberry topping, and the best ways to serve your bars. Remember, using quality ingredients makes a big impact. Whether you try new flavors or stick to the classic, these bars will please everyone. Enjoy making and sharing your cheesecake bars!

No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Delicious and creamy cheesecake bars topped with a tart cranberry sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar (for cranberries)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch (or similar size) baking dish to form an even layer. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
  • Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
  • Combine and Spread: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing it out to create an even layer. Tap the dish on the counter to settle the filling. Return to the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Prepare the Cranberry Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the cranberries start to burst and create a sauce, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  • Assemble the Bars: Once the cheesecake layer is set, spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
  • Slice and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the dish by lifting it out with the edges of the parchment paper (if used). Slice into bars and serve chilled.

Notes

Garnish each bar with a fresh cranberry and a mint leaf for a festive touch.
Keyword cheesecake, cranberry, dessert bars, no bake