Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tart cherry topping, all in the form of easy-to-serve bars. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cheesecake layer, and a bright, fruity cherry topping that adds the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet elegant dessert for a gathering or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these cherry cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser that can be made in advance and stored for later.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Add Cherry Topping: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or until firm. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.
Enjoy your Cherry Cheesecake Bars, a delicious and creamy dessert with a burst of cherry flavor in every bite! Perfect for any occasion.
