Description
These No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, fluffy cheesecake filling and a sweet cherry pie topping. Perfect for summer or any occasion when you want a rich, indulgent treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to help it set.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until completely combined and fluffy.
- Whip the cream: In a separate clean bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks stand straight without collapsing.
- Combine filling and whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Fold carefully to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream and ensure a light, fluffy texture throughout.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Then, spoon the cherry pie filling over the top and gently spread it to ensure an even layer without mixing the layers.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours or until fully set and firm enough to slice neatly.
- Serve: Once set, slice the cheesecake into 9 bars. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, freeze it for 15 minutes before adding the filling to help it set better.
- You can substitute the cherry topping with blueberry or strawberry pie filling for variety.
- For a lighter version, replace regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese and use whipped topping instead of heavy whipping cream.
