Print

Creamy Cherry Cheesecake Bars

creamy cherry cheesecake bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These creamy cherry cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a sweet-tart cherry topping, perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
  2. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into a 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with ¾ cup sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and cherries soften, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  7. Pour cheesecake filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
  8. Spoon cherry topping over cheesecake layer, swirling gently for a marbled effect if desired.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  10. Let bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  11. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried to cut into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the filling to prevent cracks. Tent crust with foil if browning too quickly. Use a water bath for ultra-smooth texture if desired. Cool bars slowly before chilling. Warm knife under hot water for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cheesecake bars, creamy cheesecake, graham crust dessert, easy homemade dessert, cherry topping, cheesecake bars recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/creamy-cherry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-buttery-graham-crust/