Cherry cheesecake bars bring together everything people love about traditional cheesecake—creamy texture, rich flavor, and a sweet-tart fruit topping—but in an easy, sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing. With a buttery crust, smooth cheesecake layer, and glossy cherry topping, these bars deliver bakery-style indulgence without the fuss of a water bath or springform pan.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or just a weekend treat, cherry cheesecake bars are a reliable crowd-pleaser that look impressive and taste even better.
Why Cherry Cheesecake Bars Are So Popular
Easier and faster than full cheesecakes
Clean slices for serving and storing
Balanced sweetness from the cherries
Perfect make-ahead dessert
They offer all the elegance of cheesecake with the practicality of a bar cookie.
Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix just until smooth—avoid overbeating to keep the texture creamy.
3. Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top, gently spreading it to cover the cheesecake layer.
4. Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours(overnight is best) to fully set.
5. Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares with a clean, sharp knife for neat edges.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
Chill thoroughly before cutting for clean slices
Wipe your knife between cuts for a polished look
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling
Easy Variations to Try
Swap cherry topping for blueberry or strawberry
Use an Oreo crust instead of graham crackers
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving
A Dessert That Never Goes Out of Style
Cherry cheesecake bars strike the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and modern convenience. With their buttery base, creamy center, and vibrant cherry topping, they’re the kind of dessert people remember—and request again.
Whether you’re serving them at a celebration or enjoying one straight from the fridge, these bars prove that classic flavors never go out of fashion.
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