Description
Creamy, fruity, and irresistible cherry cheesecake bars. Perfect for dessert, parties, or a sweet treat at home.
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 (450 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cherry topping:
1 cup cherry pie filling (fresh or canned)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, if using fresh cherries)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if using fresh cherries)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
4. Pour cheesecake layer over baked crust and smooth the top.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature.
6. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over cooled cheesecake layer.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
8. Cut into squares and serve. Optional: garnish with whipped cream or fresh cherries.
Notes
If using fresh cherries, cook with sugar and cornstarch to thicken before topping.
Crust alternatives: use crushed cookies or digestive biscuits.
Add chocolate ganache or drizzle for extra flavor.
Prepare a day in advance for easier serving.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice clean bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg