Description
These Cherry Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling and a sweet cherry pie topping. Perfect as a classic American dessert, they are easy to make and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set and the edges turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly.
- Add Cherry Topping and Serve: After chilling, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bars. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice into 12 bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different fruit flavor.
- For a firmer crust, pre-bake the crust for 8 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
