Description
Rich, creamy, and topped with a glossy layer of cherries, these Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert bar for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety cream cheese filling, they offer all the indulgence of traditional cheesecake in a handheld, party-friendly form. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, a quick make-ahead treat, or something that dazzles at potlucks, these bars hit the sweet spot. They’re a simple recipe that’s big on flavor, with minimal fuss—perfect for dinner ideas, holiday desserts, or a weekend baking project.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 pinch salt
24 oz cream cheese, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar
0.25 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
21 oz cherry pie filling or 2 cups homemade cherry compote
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2–3 minutes). Add 3/4 cup sugar and beat until combined.
5. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
6. Pour cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely chilled and firm.
10. Once set, spread cherry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
11. Lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares using a warm, clean knife.
Notes
Let bars chill fully before slicing to ensure clean, firm cuts.
Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
Substitute cherry topping with your favorite fruit compote or pie filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cherry cheesecake bars, dessert bars, easy cheesecake recipe, holiday dessert, quick cheesecake