Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.

3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.

4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 2/3 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

6. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the surface.

7. Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

8. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set.

9. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size.

10. Serve the Merry Cherry Cheesecake Bars on a decorative platter and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fruity cherry topping with your loved ones!