Description
Indulge in these creamy Cherry Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with smooth cheesecake and luscious cherry filling. Perfect for gatherings, these bars are easy to make and deliciously refreshing!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheets)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 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. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Add the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Add the Cherry Topping: Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg