Cranberry Crumble Cheesecake Bars
A delightful treat combining creamy cheesecake, tart cranberries, and a sweet crumble topping, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Crust
- 12 pieces Graham Crackers Crushed into fine crumbs.
- 6 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Melted For rich flavor.
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar For crust sweetness.
- 1/4 Tsp. Kosher Salt Balances the sweetness.
Cranberry Compote
- 12 Oz. Fresh Cranberries Tart and juicy.
- 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar To sweeten the tart cranberries.
- 1 Tsp. Finely Grated Orange Zest For brightness.
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Orange Juice Injects citrus flavor.
- 1/2 Tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract For warmth in the sauce.
Cream Cheese Filling
- 2 Large Eggs Bind the filling.
- 2 blocks Cream Cheese, Room Temperature Provides creaminess.
- 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the filling.
- 1 Tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor.
- 1/4 Tsp. Kosher Salt Enhances flavors.
- 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour Adds structure.
Crumble Topping
- 3 Tbsp. Packed Dark Brown Sugar Deepens flavor.
- 1/4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/4 Tsp. Kosher Salt Balances sweetness.
- 1/3 Cup Coarsely Chopped Raw Pecans For crunch.
- 4 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Melted Creates crispy texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
- For the crust, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Cranberry Compote
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and a splash of water. Cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in orange zest and vanilla extract.
Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat eggs in a large bowl until frothy, then add cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Beat until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
Crumble Topping
- Mix together flour, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir in chopped pecans and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread cream cheese filling over the baked crust, add a layer of cranberry compote, and sprinkle crumble topping evenly.
- Bake for about 35 minutes until the center is set. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use fresh cranberries for better flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling. Consider adding nutmeg or oats for variations.