cherry cheesecake bars 

Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Bars that combines a creamy cheesecake filling with a sweet, tangy cherry topping, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home! 

Cherry cheesecake bars 

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 filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the cherry topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if in season)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden and firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you make the filling.

2. Make the cheesecake filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

• Add the sugar and beat until combined.

• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

• Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (if using), and mix until smooth.

• Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

3. Bake the cheesecake bars:

• Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.

• Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and chill.

4. Top with cherries:

• Once the cheesecake bars have chilled and set, top them with the cherry pie filling or fresh cherries.

• If using cherry pie filling, you can spread it evenly over the top or leave the cherries clustered in areas for a more decorative look.

5. Serve:

• Cut the cheesecake into squares and serve chilled. You can garnish with whipped cream or additional fresh cherries for an extra touch.

Tips:

• For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute the cherry topping with another fruit topping, such as blueberry or strawberry pie filling.

• To make these bars even richer, swirl some melted chocolate or caramel into the cheesecake batter before baking.

• You can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time, as they store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

These Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion! Enjoy!