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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled - ½ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Pinch of salt - 9x9 inch square baking pan - Mixing bowls - Spatula - Electric mixer To create these white chocolate cranberry cheesecake bars, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy crust that pairs well with the creamy filling. The melted butter helps bind the crumbs together, giving you a solid base. For the filling, soft cream cheese is key. It provides a rich texture. You will mix this with melted white chocolate, adding a sweet touch. The powdered sugar and vanilla extract enhance the flavor, while sour cream adds a lovely tang. The chopped dried cranberries give bursts of flavor and a pop of color. The lemon zest brightens everything up and adds freshness. Don't forget a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness! As for the equipment, you will need a 9x9 inch baking pan for the perfect size. Mixing bowls are essential for combining your ingredients. A spatula is handy for spreading the filling evenly. An electric mixer makes it easy to whip the cream cheese until smooth. Gather these items, and you will be ready to make a delightful dessert that everyone will love! First, grab a medium bowl. Combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are coated. This step is key for a tasty crust. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch square baking pan. Make sure it is even and compact. Now, place the pan in the fridge. Let it chill while you prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese until smooth. This creates a nice base for your cheesecake. Gradually blend in 1 cup of melted white chocolate. Keep mixing until everything is combined. After that, add ½ cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix again until smooth. Now, fold in 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of chopped dried cranberries, and the zest of 1 lemon. This adds flavor and texture. Gently mix until all the ingredients are well distributed. Take the cream cheese mixture and pour it over the chilled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure to cover all the crust. Then, cover the pan with plastic wrap. Place it back in the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This helps the bars set properly. When ready, remove from the fridge and cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious white chocolate cranberry cheesecake bars! - Ensure cream cheese is fully softened. Cold cream cheese makes lumps. - Gradually add melted white chocolate. This keeps the mix smooth and creamy. To get a perfect filling, start with room temperature cream cheese. It should feel soft when you touch it. If it is cold, the filling will not mix well. I usually leave it out for about an hour before I start mixing. Next, melt your white chocolate gently. I like to use a microwave in short bursts. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese. This prevents curdling. When you mix, go slow. This helps keep the texture nice and smooth. - Garnish with additional cranberries and mint leaves. This adds color and flavor. - Lightly dust with powdered sugar. It gives a nice, sweet touch. When serving these cheesecake bars, think about how they look. I love to add a few extra dried cranberries on top. They pop with color and taste. Fresh mint leaves also make the dish look fancy. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it all feel special. Use a small sifter for even coverage. Your guests will be impressed by the look and the taste! - Not chilling the crust long enough. A warm crust can make the filling soggy. - Overmixing after adding cranberries. This breaks them down too much. One big mistake is rushing the chilling time for your crust. If you don't chill it long enough, the filling can make it soggy. I always let it set for at least 30 minutes. This way, it holds its shape. Another mistake is overmixing the filling after adding cranberries. You want to fold them in gently. This keeps them whole and gives you nice bites of fruit in each bar. {{image_2}} You can swap in gluten-free graham crackers for a tasty gluten-free version. This keeps the flavor while catering to dietary needs. If you want a different fruit vibe, try using cherries or strawberries instead of cranberries. This change brings new colors and flavors to your bars. To add a fun twist, incorporate some orange zest into the cream cheese mixture. This bright flavor will lift your cheesecake bars to new heights. You can also add a splash of almond extract. This gives a rich depth to the overall taste. Feel free to cut your bars into smaller or larger pieces. Making smaller bars is great for parties, while larger ones work well for dessert lovers. Adjusting the size lets you create the perfect treat for any occasion. Keep your white chocolate cranberry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Make sure they are sealed well to avoid any fridge odors. You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the bars in the fridge before serving. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy. These cheesecake bars are best consumed within 1 week. After that, their flavor and texture may change. Enjoy them while they’re fresh for the best experience! Yes, you can substitute with regular chocolate or dark chocolate. Both will change the taste a bit. White chocolate is sweet, while dark chocolate is richer. If you prefer a deeper flavor, dark chocolate works well. Just melt it the same way. These bars need a minimum of 4 hours to set for best results. The chilling time helps them firm up nicely. If you can, let them chill longer. This extra time allows the flavors to blend well. Yes, they can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of serving. This makes them great for parties or special events. Just cover them well and store in the fridge. This way, you can focus on other dishes. You now know how to make delicious cheesecake bars with a twist. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips to avoid mistakes, and fun variations. Remember to chill the crust and avoid overmixing your filling. These bars are great for any occasion and can be customized to fit your taste. Store them in the fridge or freeze extras for later. Enjoy sharing these tasty treats with friends and family!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Bars No Bake

Indulge in the delightful taste of White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake Bars! These creamy bars are perfect for any occasion, combining smooth cream cheese, tart cranberries, and rich white chocolate on a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they're sure to impress your guests. Ready to create a dessert everyone will love? Click through for the full recipe and start baking this tasty treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups cream cheese, softened

1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

1 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated.

    Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch square baking pan to form a crust. Place in the fridge to set while preparing the filling.

      In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

        Gradually add in the melted white chocolate and continue to mix until fully combined.

          Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to the mixture, mixing until smooth.

            Fold in the sour cream, chopped dried cranberries, and lemon zest gently until evenly distributed.

              Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

                Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

                  Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares.

                    Serve chilled, with additional dried cranberries on top for garnish.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesecake bars on a beautiful platter with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for an elegant touch. Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for an added visual appeal.