Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars Delightful Dessert Treat

Name: Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 240 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs; 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups cream cheese, softened; 1 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 large orange zest; 1 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 0.25 teaspoon salt

by Ava on April 17, 2025

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that impresses without the stress, I’ve got you covered! These Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake and zesty citrus flavors perfectly. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a treat that’s sure to wow your friends and family. Ready to bake something delightful? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped The graham cracker crumbs form the base of these cheesecake bars. They give a sweet crunch that pairs well with the creamy filling. Cream cheese creates a smooth and rich texture. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, depending on what you have. Both options add a bright, tangy flavor that works perfectly with the sweetness. - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Unsalted butter binds the crust and adds richness. Granulated sugar sweetens your filling and crust. The flour helps set the cheesecake, giving it a nice structure when baked. This balance of ingredients creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 large orange - ¼ teaspoon salt Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the bars. The zest of the orange adds a bright, citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor. Salt balances the sweetness, making each bite more enjoyable. These flavor enhancers are key to making your cheesecake bars stand out. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Grease and line the baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. - Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). A warm oven helps the bars bake evenly. - In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar for sweetness. - Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. Make sure it is even and compact. - Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. It should be lightly golden. Let it cool slightly. - In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese until smooth. This step takes about 2-3 minutes. - Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix well. Scrape the bowl's sides to get all the sugar mixed in. - Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 large orange. - Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Be careful not to overmix. - Add 1 cup of roughly chopped cranberries and mix gently. This adds a burst of flavor to each bite. - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check if the center is set but still jiggles a little. This means it’s done. - Take the cheesecake bars out of the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. - After cooling, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best taste. - Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares and enjoy! - Mix the cheesecake filling gently. Overmixing makes it dense. - Bake at a steady temperature. This helps the bars rise evenly. - Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This makes them look fancy. - Add orange slices and cranberries on top. They add color and flavor. - Swap cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or cherries. This creates new tastes. - Change the sugar amount based on your taste. A little less can be great. Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill overnight for a firmer texture and enhanced flavors. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries will give a brighter flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to cracks. Mix just until ingredients are combined, especially after adding eggs. Perfect Cuts: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to make clean cuts when slicing the bars for a neat presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily change some of the ingredients for your needs. For a gluten-free treat, use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones. This swap keeps the flavor while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. If you want a different texture, try using ricotta or mascarpone instead of cream cheese. Both will give a creamy feel but with a unique taste. You can add fun spices to change the flavor. Nutmeg and cinnamon add warmth and depth, making each bite a little cozier. If you love chocolate, mix in some chocolate chips. This twist gives a rich contrast to the tart cranberries and bright orange zest. It’s a simple way to switch things up and impress your guests. Pair these bars with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the tangy cheesecake perfectly. You can also serve them with a side of cranberry sauce. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and looks great on the plate. Your guests will enjoy the extra touch and the chance to customize their dessert! To keep your cranberry orange cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their creamy texture. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents freezer burn. In the refrigerator, these cheesecake bars last up to five days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This slow process helps keep the texture nice. To warm leftover cheesecake bars, you can use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they may become too soft. For the best texture, consider letting them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. Enjoy the sweet flavors again! Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. Prepare them and let them cool completely. Once cool, cover the pan with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavors meld together. It also makes serving them easy for parties or gatherings. These bars pair well with various items. You can serve them with whipped cream on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a great choice too. For drinks, try a cup of coffee or tea. You can even serve them with a sparkling beverage for a fun twist! You can use dried cranberries, but the taste will change. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier. This can affect the texture of your bars. If you choose dried ones, chop them into smaller pieces. This way, they mix well into the cheesecake filling. Look for a few signs to check doneness. The edges should look set and firm. The center may still jiggle slightly when shaken. It should not be too wobbly. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready! You now have a clear guide on making delicious Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. Remember, using fresh cranberries adds a unique touch. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make them your own. Store them properly to enjoy later. These bars can be a hit for any gathering or as a tasty treat at home. Enjoy the baking and the tasty reward!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries paired with the sweetness of the cheesecake and the bright citrus notes from the orange zest create a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick dessert option.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These cheesecake bars are versatile enough for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, ensuring they’ll be a hit no matter the event.
Beautiful Presentation: With a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a garnish of orange slices and cranberries, these bars not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients Required

– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

– 2 cups cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

The graham cracker crumbs form the base of these cheesecake bars. They give a sweet crunch that pairs well with the creamy filling. Cream cheese creates a smooth and rich texture. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, depending on what you have. Both options add a bright, tangy flavor that works perfectly with the sweetness.

Essential Baking Components

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Unsalted butter binds the crust and adds richness. Granulated sugar sweetens your filling and crust. The flour helps set the cheesecake, giving it a nice structure when baked. This balance of ingredients creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Flavor Enhancers

– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

– Zest of 1 large orange

– ¼ teaspoon salt

Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the bars. The zest of the orange adds a bright, citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor. Salt balances the sweetness, making each bite more enjoyable. These flavor enhancers are key to making your cheesecake bars stand out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping Your Baking Pan

– Grease and line the baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later.

– Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). A warm oven helps the bars bake evenly.

Preparing the Crust

– In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar for sweetness.

– Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. Make sure it is even and compact.

– Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. It should be lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

Making the Cheesecake Filling

– In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese until smooth. This step takes about 2-3 minutes.

– Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix well. Scrape the bowl’s sides to get all the sugar mixed in.

– Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 large orange.

Combining Ingredients

– Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Be careful not to overmix.

– Add 1 cup of roughly chopped cranberries and mix gently. This adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

Baking the Cheesecake Bars

– Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

– Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check if the center is set but still jiggles a little. This means it’s done.

Cooling and Serving

– Take the cheesecake bars out of the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.

– After cooling, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best taste.

– Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

– Mix the cheesecake filling gently. Overmixing makes it dense.

– Bake at a steady temperature. This helps the bars rise evenly.

Presentation Tips

– Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This makes them look fancy.

– Add orange slices and cranberries on top. They add color and flavor.

Flavor Adjustment Tips

– Swap cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or cherries. This creates new tastes.

– Change the sugar amount based on your taste. A little less can be great.

Pro Tips

Chill for Better Texture: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill overnight for a firmer texture and enhanced flavors.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries will give a brighter flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to cracks. Mix just until ingredients are combined, especially after adding eggs.
Perfect Cuts: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to make clean cuts when slicing the bars for a neat presentation.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily change some of the ingredients for your needs. For a gluten-free treat, use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones. This swap keeps the flavor while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. If you want a different texture, try using ricotta or mascarpone instead of cream cheese. Both will give a creamy feel but with a unique taste.

Flavor Variations

You can add fun spices to change the flavor. Nutmeg and cinnamon add warmth and depth, making each bite a little cozier. If you love chocolate, mix in some chocolate chips. This twist gives a rich contrast to the tart cranberries and bright orange zest. It’s a simple way to switch things up and impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these bars with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the tangy cheesecake perfectly. You can also serve them with a side of cranberry sauce. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and looks great on the plate. Your guests will enjoy the extra touch and the chance to customize their dessert!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To keep your cranberry orange cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their creamy texture. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents freezer burn.

Shelf Life

In the refrigerator, these cheesecake bars last up to five days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This slow process helps keep the texture nice.

Reheating Instructions

To warm leftover cheesecake bars, you can use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they may become too soft. For the best texture, consider letting them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. Enjoy the sweet flavors again!

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. Prepare them and let them cool completely. Once cool, cover the pan with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavors meld together. It also makes serving them easy for parties or gatherings.

What can I serve with these cheesecake bars?

These bars pair well with various items. You can serve them with whipped cream on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a great choice too. For drinks, try a cup of coffee or tea. You can even serve them with a sparkling beverage for a fun twist!

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

You can use dried cranberries, but the taste will change. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier. This can affect the texture of your bars. If you choose dried ones, chop them into smaller pieces. This way, they mix well into the cheesecake filling.

How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

Look for a few signs to check doneness. The edges should look set and firm. The center may still jiggle slightly when shaken. It should not be too wobbly. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready!

You now have a clear guide on making delicious Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. Remember, using fresh cranberries adds a unique touch. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make them your own. Store them properly to enjoy later. These bars can be a hit for any gathering or as a tasty treat at home. Enjoy the baking and the tasty rewar

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a tangy cranberry and orange flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 4

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large orange zest
1 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sugar: Gradually add the remaining ¾ cup of sugar and continue beating until well mixed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Incorporate the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing until incorporated.
Add the flour and salt: Gently fold in the flour and salt, being careful not to overmix.
Add cranberries: Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries just until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake the cheesecake bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
Cut and serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with a slice of orange and whole cranberries.

Keyword bars, cheesecake, cranberry, dessert, orange