Description
Delicious and festive Christmas Crunch Layered Dessert Bars featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, rich chocolate ganache, and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, whipped (or use 2 cups whipped topping)
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for shine)
- ½–1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- ¼ cup graham dust or crushed cookies
- Christmas M&Ms
- Optional: red + green sprinkles
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
Instructions
- Make the Graham Crust: Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until sandy. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9 or 9×13 pan. Refrigerate 15–20 minutes to set.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix again. Fold whipped cream in gently until light and airy. Spread evenly over chilled graham crust. Refrigerate 20–30 minutes.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine if desired. Cool 5–10 minutes, then pour over the cheesecake layer. Spread evenly.
- Add the Christmas Crunch: Before the ganache fully sets, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy, add graham dust or crushed cookies, and top with M&Ms and sprinkles. Refrigerate again until fully firm — 3 hours or overnight.
- Add Whipped Swirls: Pipe rosettes of whipped cream on top just before serving and add extra M&Ms.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream in the cheesecake layer.
- Make sure to refrigerate the bars for the recommended time to ensure they set properly.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite holiday candies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg