Christmas Dessert Bars: 6 Easy & Festive Treats

Christmas dessert bars are the perfect solution for beginner bakers and busy hosts alike. They are essentially handheld delights that pack all the flavor of your favorite festive desserts into a single, easy-to-serve square.

The holiday season is a time for magic, warmth, and irresistible sweets. But who says creating a stunning dessert spread has to be complicated? Enter the world of Christmas dessert bars—your secret weapon for a stress-free and spectacular holiday table.

This ultimate guide will walk you through six foolproof recipes that cover everything from creamy cheesecake layers to rich, nutty fillings. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to all your baking questions. Get ready to become the star of every potluck, cookie exchange, and family gathering!

Why Christmas Dessert Bars are a Holiday Game-Changer

If you’re new to holiday baking, bars are the perfect starting point. Here’s why they are so beloved:

• Incredibly Easy: Most require no fancy techniques—just mixing, pressing, and baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: They can (and often should) be made a day or two in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making your party day stress-free.
• Feeds a Crowd: A single batch yields many portions, perfect for large gatherings.
• Travel-Friendly: Their sturdy structure makes them ideal for transporting to parties or gifting to friends and neighbors.
• Endless Variety: As you’ll see below, the flavor combinations are limitless, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Your Collection of Must-Try Christmas Dessert Bars

Here are six classic and creative Christmas dessert bars that will delight your guests.

1. Christmas Dessert Bars : Dreamy Caramel Cheesecake Bars

A match made in heaven, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth cheesecake layer, and a decadent caramel drizzle.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• For the Filling:
  • 2 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Topping:
  • ½ cup high-quality caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, stir the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Make the Filling: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
5. Cool and Finish: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into squares.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, makes 16):

• Calories: ~240
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 4g

2. Christmas Dessert Bars : Southern Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

This recipe is a glorious fusion of two classics: rich pecan pie and tangy cheesecake. It’s a showstopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to assemble.

Ingredients:

• Crust & Cheesecake Layer: (Same as the Caramel Cheesecake Bars above)
• Pecan Pie Topping:
  • 1 cup pecan halves or pieces
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup or corn syrup

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust and cheesecake layers exactly as directed in the previous recipe.
2. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Spoon this mixture evenly over the unbaked cheesecake layer.
3. Bake: Bake at 325°F for 35-40 minutes. The pecan topping will be bubbly and the cheesecake layer set.
4. Chill: Allow to cool completely before chilling thoroughly. This allows the pecan layer to set properly for clean slices.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, makes 16):

• Calories: ~280
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 4g

3. Christmas Dessert Bars : Irresistible Simple Toffee Bars

With a shortbread-like base and a layer of chocolate and toffee, these bars are wonderfully buttery, crunchy, and require no special ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup toffee bits (like Heath bits)

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Base: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. The mixture may be crumbly, but it will hold together when pressed.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the dough firmly and evenly into an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the top is dry.
4. Add Toppings: Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust. Wait 3-5 minutes for them to melt, then use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth layer. Immediately sprinkle the toffee bits over the melted chocolate.
5. Set: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, makes 24):

• Calories: ~210
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g

4. Christmas Dessert Bars : Festive Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Taste the essence of fall and winter in every bite! These bars feature a spiced apple layer over creamy cheesecake, all finished with a caramel drizzle.

Ingredients:

• Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs + ¼ cup melted butter
• Cheesecake Layer: 2 (8 oz) cream cheese blocks, ½ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla
• Apple Layer:
  • 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Topping: ½ cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust and press it into a 9×9 pan. Bake for 5 minutes at 325°F to set it.
2. Prepare the cheesecake filling as directed in the first recipe.
3. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with the cinnamon until coated.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm crust. Scatter the cinnamon apples evenly on top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 325°F. Let cool, drizzle with caramel, and chill thoroughly.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, makes 16):

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 19g
• Protein: 4g

5. Christmas Dessert Bars : Classic Pecan Pie Bars

All the gooey, nutty goodness of a traditional pecan pie, but in an easier-to-serve bar form. The shortbread crust is the perfect contrast to the rich filling.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cubed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
• For the Filling:
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups light or dark corn syrup
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a food processor or with a pastry cutter, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press firmly into a 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, and vanilla together in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Combine and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool Completely: This is crucial! The filling will set as it cools. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, makes 24):

• Calories: ~290
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 3g

6. Christmas Dessert Bars : Cozy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

A seasonal favorite that combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the creaminess of cheesecake. The gingersnap crust adds an extra layer of cozy flavor.

Ingredients:

• Crust:
  • 1 cup finely crushed gingersnap cookies (about 20 cookies)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Filling:
  • 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Make the Crust: Combine the gingersnap crumbs and melted butter. Press into an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan.
3. Make the Filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth. Remove about ⅓ of this plain mixture and set it aside.
4. Add Pumpkin: To the remaining mixture in the bowl, add the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until well combined.
5. Layer and Swirl: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crust. Dollop the reserved plain cheesecake mixture on top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the two layers together beautifully.
6. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until set. Chill completely before slicing.

Estimated Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, makes 16):

• Calories: ~180
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 3g

Please note: All nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes used.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Dessert Bars Every Time

• Line Your Pan: Parchment paper is your best friend! Leaving an overhang on two sides creates “slings” that make removing the entire block of bars effortless.
• Room Temperature is Key: For cheesecake bars, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid a lumpy batter.
• Patience for Perfect Slices: Always let bars cool completely and chill thoroughly before cutting. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a hot, damp cloth between each cut.
• Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Most also freeze well for up to 3 months.

What dessert is traditionally eaten at Christmas?

Traditions vary by country, but some of the most iconic Christmas desserts include:

• Fruitcake: A dense, spiced cake packed with dried fruits and nuts, often soaked in spirits.
• Gingerbread: Whether in the form of cookies, houses, or cake, its warm spices are synonymous with Christmas.
• Bûche de Noël: A French dessert shaped and decorated to look like a Yule log.
• Christmas Pudding: A rich, steamed British pudding made with suet and dried fruits.
• Pecan Pie & Pumpkin Pie: These are quintessential holiday pies in the United States.

What to put on a Christmas dessert platter?

A great dessert platter offers a variety of textures and flavors. For a festive platter, include:

1. A Selection of Bars: Feature 2-3 types from this list, like Toffee Bars and Pecan Pie Bars.
2. Cookies: Classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and shortbread.
3. Chocolate: Chocolate-dipped pretzels or peppermint bark.
4. Fruit: Fresh berries, clementines, or dried figs for a fresh contrast.
5. Something Creamy: Mini cheesecakes or chocolate truffles.

What kind of dessert bars are there?
The categories are endless! Beyond the recipes in this article, popular types include:

• Lemon Bars: A tangy and sweet curd on a shortbread crust.
• Blondies: A vanilla-based bar studded with chocolate chips or nuts.
• Seven-Layer Bars: A classic with graham cracker, chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, and condensed milk.
• Brownies: The ultimate chocolate bar.
• Crumble or Crisp Bars: Featuring a fruit filling like apple or berry with a crunchy oat topping.

What is the most popular Christmas sweet?

This is highly regional, but globally, gingerbread in its various forms (cookies, houses, men) is one of the most recognizable and popular Christmas sweets. Its association with holiday folklore and its festive, spiced flavor make it a universal symbol of Christmas baking. In the United States, sugar cookies decorated with royal icing are also incredibly popular during the season.

We hope this guide fills your kitchen with joy and your holiday table with delicious Christmas dessert bars. Happy baking