Description
Cherry Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, topped with a luscious cherry pie filling. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and tangy flavor, these bars are easy to make and ideal for any occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture feels like wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a fluffy texture. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese batter evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Add Topping and Chill: Once cooled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set before slicing into 12 bars and serving.
Notes
- For a homemade twist, use fresh cherry compote instead of canned cherry pie filling.
- You can substitute crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for the graham cracker crust for a different flavor profile.
- These bars freeze well; simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving for convenience.
