Cranberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients needed to make this delicious dessert.

Sugar Cookie Mix: Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix is the main ingredient that provides structure for the base and crumble topping.

Crushed Lotus Biscoff® Cookies: The caramel and buttery notes of the cookies pair perfectly with the sugar cookie mix. Make sure to crush the cookies into a very fine in texture so the dough can come together. 

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work in this recipe. If using fresh, the cooking time may be a little less. You know the cranberries are done cooking when they have burst and the mixture has a jam-like texture.

Cream Cheese: For the best results, we recommend full-fat cream cheese to create a smooth, rich texture for the cheesecake layer.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Large egg, unsalted butter, sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla.

How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

We've put together a list of simple steps along with tips and tricks for making these delicious and festive Cranberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

1. Make the Cookie Layer

For the cookie base layer, we recommend pressing the dough into the pan with your hands or the back of a measuring cup to make sure it’s even. Break up the reserved 3/4 cup of the dough into pieces that are no bigger than the size of a quarter for the crumble topping.

2. Make the Cranberry Layer

Mix all the ingredients well and continue stirring while the cranberries cook to prevent burning, you want the mixture to be jam-like.

3. Create the Cheesecake Layer

Beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth before adding the other ingredients. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and the texture is smooth with no lumps.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the prebaked sugar cookie base. Dollop cooled cranberry filling onto the cheesecake layer and swirl to create a marble effect. Crumble reserved cookie dough over top. 

How to Store Cranberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

Proper storage of these bars ensures you get the most enjoyment out of this dessert.

Refrigerator

These bars must be stored in the refrigerator. They cannot be left out at room temperature for food safety reasons. Place bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can keep them in the baking pan and cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight storage container, placing parchment or wax paper in between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour). You can freeze the uncut bars for 2 hours and then cut into 16 bars. Or refrigerate overnight, cut into 16 bars, wrap individually with plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag, and freezer for up to 3 months. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Serve Cranberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars

The chilling time for the Cranberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars is so important! If you cut into the bars too soon, you will get a runny bar that is messy. We strongly recommend waiting the full amount of refrigeration time before cutting. When cutting the bars, run a knife under hot water and wipe clean in between cuts.