Christmas Crunch Cake is a delightful treat that combines the crunchy goodness of granola bars with a creamy filling, perfect for the holiday season. This colorful dessert is not only easy to make but also looks festive on any holiday dessert table. Everyone will love the flavors and textures in each bite!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Christmas Crunch Cake is a fun and quick way to spread holiday cheer. It uses simple ingredients that you can easily find at the store. The crunchy granola crust pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese filling and festive sprinkles. It’s a dessert that brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.

How to Make Christmas Crunch Cake

Creating your own Christmas Crunch Cake is an easy process! With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

16 Nature Valley crunchy granola bars (Oats ‘n Honey), crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz) container extra creamy whipped topping
1/2 tsp pure almond extract
1 tbsp spiced rum (or vanilla extract as a substitute)
1/3 cup red, white, and green nonpareils (holiday sprinkles)
Nonstick baking spray

Directions

Prepare the Crust: Generously spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. In a large bowl, combine the crushed granola bars, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Make the Filling: In a mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, almond extract, and rum (or vanilla) until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the nonpareils, saving about 1 teaspoon to sprinkle on top.
Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining granola mixture over the top of the filling and press down gently. Add the reserved nonpareils on top for a festive touch.
Freeze and Serve: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 4-6 hours. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Crunch Cake

You can serve Christmas Crunch Cake straight from the freezer as a refreshing dessert. It’s great to enjoy on its own or with a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side. Garnish with additional holiday sprinkles for a cheerful touch!

How to Store Christmas Crunch Cake

To store your Christmas Crunch Cake, keep it covered in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to a month. When you want to serve it again, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.

Tips to Make Christmas Crunch Cake

Make sure to crush the granola bars well for an even crust.
Use a handheld mixer for easy blending of the filling ingredients.
Don’t skip freezing the cake; it’s key to achieving the right texture.
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the filling, like chopped nuts or chocolate chips!

Variation

You can switch up the flavors by using different granola bars or adding different extracts like vanilla or coconut. You could also change the color theme by using different sprinkles that fit your event.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Christmas Crunch Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make it a few days in advance and keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use fresh fruit in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add fresh berries or sliced bananas to the filling for added flavor and freshness.

Q: What if I don’t have spiced rum?
A: You can easily substitute the spiced rum with vanilla extract for a different flavor, and it will still taste delicious!

Enjoy making and sharing your Christmas Crunch Cake this holiday season!