Easy Cherry Cheesecake Bars: A Simple No-Fuss Dessert Recipe
Craving a decadent dessert but short on time? Look no further! These easy cherry cheesecake bars are the perfect solution. They combine the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet and fruity burst of cherry pie filling, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dessert in a hurry.
These bars are incredibly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature version. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and the results absolutely delicious. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Cheesecake Bars
* **Easy to make:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal baking skills.
* **Quick preparation:** You can have these bars in the oven in under 20 minutes.
* **Minimal ingredients:** The recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients.
* **Crowd-pleasing:** Everyone loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry pie filling.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
* **Perfect for any occasion:** These bars are great for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for these delicious cherry cheesecake bars:
**For the Graham Cracker Crust:**
* **Graham cracker crumbs:** 1 1/2 cups (about 12 full graham crackers, finely crushed). You can buy pre-made crumbs or crush your own using a food processor or rolling pin.
* **Melted butter:** 6 tablespoons (3 ounces). Unsalted butter is preferred, but salted butter can be used if you omit the salt in the crust.
* **Granulated sugar:** 1/4 cup. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
* **Pinch of salt:** Enhances the flavor of the crust.
**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
* **Cream cheese:** 24 ounces (3 packages of 8 ounces each), softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened, or you’ll end up with lumps.
* **Granulated sugar:** 3/4 cup. This sweetens the cheesecake filling.
* **Large eggs:** 2. These act as a binder and contribute to the richness of the filling. Make sure they are at room temperature for even mixing.
* **Vanilla extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling.
* **Sour cream:** 1/2 cup. Adds tanginess and moisture to the filling, resulting in a smoother texture.
**For the Cherry Topping:**
* **Cherry pie filling:** 1 (21 ounce) can. You can use your favorite brand or make your own cherry pie filling from scratch.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch baking pan:** This is the standard size for these bars. You can also use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the crust and filling.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Electric mixer (optional):** While you can mix the filling by hand, an electric mixer makes the process much easier and ensures a smooth and creamy texture. A stand mixer or hand mixer will work.
* **Rubber spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the sour cream.
* **Measuring spoons:** For accurate vanilla extract measurements
* **Parchment paper (optional):** For easy removal of the bars from the pan.
* **Food processor or rolling pin (optional):** For crushing graham crackers if not using pre-made crumbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making these delicious cherry cheesecake bars! Follow these simple steps:
**1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
* In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
* Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to help press the crumbs down evenly.
* Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
**2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
* In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step for a lump-free filling. If the cream cheese is not soft enough, it will be difficult to achieve a smooth consistency.
* Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until well combined and smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.
* Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to a tough cheesecake.
* Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the filling, which can cause it to crack during baking.
**3. Assemble and Bake the Bars:**
* Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
* Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake filling. You can swirl the cherry filling into the cheesecake filling with a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect, if desired. However, be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the colors.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake should still have a slight wobble in the center, as it will continue to set as it cools.
**4. Cool and Chill:**
* Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool down gradually.
* Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.
* Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting and serving. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
**5. Cut and Serve:**
* Once the bars are thoroughly chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if used). If you didn’t use parchment paper, you can carefully cut around the edges of the pan with a knife to loosen the bars.
* Cut the cheesecake bars into squares or rectangles. Use a clean, sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for neat slices.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Bars
* **Use softened cream cheese:** This is essential for a smooth and creamy filling. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least an hour before using it.
* **Don’t overmix the filling:** Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the filling, which can cause it to crack during baking. Mix until just combined.
* **Bake at a low temperature:** Baking at a lower temperature helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
* **Cool slowly:** Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven helps prevent cracking. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour.
* **Chill thoroughly:** Chilling the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
* **Use a clean, sharp knife to cut:** This will ensure neat slices.
* **Wipe the knife clean between each cut:** This will also help ensure neat slices.
* **For a smoother crust, use a food processor:** This will ensure even crumbing of graham crackers.
* **If the top of the bars brown too quickly, tent with foil:** This prevents burning.
* **Experiment with different toppings:** Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other fruit to the cheesecake filling or topping.
* **For easy removal, line pan with parchment paper:** This makes clean up easier as well.
Variations and Additions
One of the best things about these cherry cheesecake bars is how versatile they are. Here are some ideas for variations and additions to make them your own:
* **Different fruit toppings:** Instead of cherry pie filling, try using other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or apple. You can also use fresh fruit, such as raspberries or peaches, mixed with a little sugar and cornstarch.
* **Chocolate chips:** Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a chocolate cherry cheesecake experience. Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips work well.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the cherry pie filling before baking for added texture and flavor.
* **Lemon zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Almond extract:** Substitute a teaspoon of almond extract for the vanilla extract for a subtle almond flavor that complements the cherry filling.
* **Graham cracker crust variations:** Use chocolate graham crackers for a richer, more decadent crust. You can also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the graham cracker crumb mixture.
* **Oreo crust:** Replace the graham cracker crust with a crushed Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist. Simply crush about 24 Oreos (with the filling) and mix with the melted butter and sugar.
* **Sugar-free option:** Use a sugar substitute in the crust and filling, and opt for sugar-free cherry pie filling. Be mindful of the sweetener ratio and adjust to taste.
* **Mini cheesecake bars:** Use a mini muffin tin to make individual cherry cheesecake bites. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate them even further:
* **Whipped cream:** Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
* **Ice cream:** Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cherry ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.
* **Chocolate sauce:** Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
* **Caramel sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
* **Fresh cherries:** Garnish with fresh cherries for a beautiful presentation.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles for a festive touch, especially for parties or holidays.
* **Coffee or tea:** Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cherry cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per bar)
* Calories: 250-350
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 9-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-100mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 15-25g
* Protein: 3-5g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
These easy cherry cheesecake bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that are simple to make and requires minimal effort. With its creamy texture, buttery crust, and delicious cherry topping, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible bars! Experiment with variations, find your perfect serving suggestion, and enjoy the smile on everyone’s face.
Enjoy baking!