These Christmas Present Cheesecake Bars combine a velvety smooth cream cheese filling with a perfectly buttery graham cracker crust, then finish with a thin layer of melted white chocolate and festive holiday sprinkles to create adorable “present” bars that are just as fun to look at as they are delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you adore holiday desserts that feel magical but don’t require difficult techniques, this recipe is perfect for you. These cheesecake bars look like decorated Christmas gifts, but they’re incredibly easy to assemble and even easier to transport—ideal for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or festive family gatherings. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the simple graham cracker crust, while the white chocolate layer adds a sweet, elegant finishing touch. The bars chill beautifully, slice cleanly, and can be decorated in endless ways with sprinkles, candies, and colored drizzle. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or simply want a crowd-pleasing holiday dessert that feels whimsical and festive, these bars deliver flavor, charm, and picture-perfect presentation every time.

Christmas Present Cheesecake Bars

Holiday baking has a way of bringing warmth, joy, and creativity to the kitchen, and these Christmas Present Cheesecake Bars embody all of that festive magic. They transform a classic, creamy cheesecake into a playful dessert that looks like tiny, wrapped gifts—perfect for celebrations, gifting, or elevating a holiday dessert table. With their cute, polished appearance and irresistible flavor, they are guaranteed to spark smiles and become a seasonal favorite.

There’s something nostalgic about the combination of cheesecake, graham cracker crust, and white chocolate, especially during the winter season. The rich cream cheese filling creates a luscious bite, while the buttery crust adds the ideal amount of crunch. Pair that with holiday sprinkles that shine like confetti, and you have a dessert that feels comforting and celebratory all at once.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. Cheesecake often intimidates bakers, but this bar version avoids water baths, complicated chilling techniques, or finicky textures. Instead, it delivers consistent, smooth results with minimal effort, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. You get all the indulgence of a traditional cheesecake without the stress.

The holiday theme also means there’s so much room to get creative with decorations. Think red, green, gold, silver, and glittered sprinkles. You can design each bar like a little present, complete with “ribbons” of white chocolate, edible pearls, or colored sugar. Kids can help decorate, and adults will enjoy customizing each square to fit their holiday vibes.

These bars also store wonderfully—an essential bonus when holiday schedules get packed. You can make them ahead of time, chill them overnight, and decorate them just before serving. They slice neatly, pack well for gifting, and look stunning displayed on a dessert board or festive tray.

Flavor-wise, the combination is balanced, creamy, and universally loved. The smooth cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweet, slightly crisp white chocolate topping. Every bite feels luxurious yet comforting, making these bars a perfect companion for hot cocoa, mulled wine, coffee, or any cozy holiday beverage.

Because they bake in a simple 13×9 pan, they’re also ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or bringing treats to a holiday event, these bars are reliable, easy to serve, and loved by kids and adults alike. No messy slicing, no cracking tops—just beautiful squares ready to shine.

As holiday desserts go, this one stands out for its charm. The “present bar” concept adds a unique visual twist that’s both festive and elegant. They make wonderful edible gifts too—package them in small boxes, wrap with ribbon, and you instantly have a thoughtful homemade present.

This recipe strikes an ideal balance between delightful presentation and approachable preparation. It’s one of those holiday treats that look special without requiring professional baking experience, which is exactly what makes it perfect for the busy, joyful spirit of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just stepping into holiday baking, these bars will make you feel proud of the dessert you create.

Ultimately, Christmas Present Cheesecake Bars are more than just a treat—they’re a fun baking experience that brings creativity and delicious comfort into your kitchen during the most wonderful time of the year.

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Servings & Time

Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Cooling & Chilling Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: ~4 hours 45 minutes

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Ingredients

Crust

• 10 HONEY MAID Honey Grahams, finely crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs)

• 1/3 cup butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 3 eggs

Topping

• 4 oz white chocolate

• Holiday sprinkles and candy

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 13×9″ baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar; press into the pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar, and vanilla on low speed until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until center is almost set.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for 3 hours.
8. Cut into bars.
9. Melt white chocolate and spread a thin layer on each bar.
10. Decorate with sprinkles to resemble holiday presents.

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Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use gingersnap crumbs instead of graham for extra holiday spice.

• Swap white chocolate for colored candy melts for more vibrant “present” decorations.

• Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cheesecake bars can be baked 2 days ahead and stored chilled before decorating.

• Decorate the bars only when ready to serve to keep sprinkles crisp.

• Freeze undecorated bars up to 2 months.

Serving Variations

• Add crushed peppermint candy to the crust.

• Drizzle bars with colored chocolate to create “ribbon” effects.

• Top with edible gold stars or metallic sprinkles for a luxe look.

Avoid Mistakes

• Do not overmix the batter—air bubbles can cause uneven texture.

• Don’t overbake; the center should slightly jiggle when done.

• Ensure bars are fully chilled before slicing to get clean cuts.