Name: Easy Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 8.5 ounces sugar cookie mix; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1/2 can cherry pie filling; 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

Cherry Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful harmony of creamy, tangy, and sweet that captures the essence of pure indulgence. Have you ever craved that perfect bite, where a buttery grabeef ham cracker crust gives way to a luscious, velvety cheesecake filling, all crowned with a vibrant, jewel-toned cherry topping? That’s exactly what these Cherry Cheesecake Bars deliver. They’re universally loved because they manage to be both comforting and elegant, making them a star at any gathering, from casual potlucks to more formal celebrations. What truly sets these Cherry Cheesecake Bars apart is the delightful contrast in textures and the burst of fruity goodness that cuts through the richness. They’re incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy, and the tartness of the cherries provides a beautiful counterpoint to the sweet creaminess of the cheesecake, creating an unforgettable flavor experience that always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with this quintessential treat.

Ingredients:

8.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 can cherry pie filling
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds

For the Sugar Cookie Crust

Gathering Your Crust Ingredients

Before we begin extract assembling these delightful Cherry Cheesecake Bars, let’s ensure we have everything ready for the cookie crust. You’ll need the 8.5 ounces of sugar cookie mix, which forms the sweet and buttery foundation of our bars. For richness and a tender crum extractb, we’ll incorporate 4 tablespoons of cold, unsalted butter. It’s crucial that the butter is cold, as this helps create those desirable pockets of flavor and a slrum extracttly crumbly texture when baked.

Creating the Cookie Dough Base

In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the cold, unsalted butter. I find the easiest way to do this is to cut the cold butter into small cubes before adding it to the mix. Then, using a pastry blender, a fork, or even your fingertips, work the butter into the cookie mix until it rerum extractbles coarse crumbs. You want to work relatively quickly to prevent the butter from warming up too murum extract Once you have this crumbly mixture, take about two-thirds of it and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. I like to line my pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out much easier once they’re cooled and set. The remaining one-third of the crum extractie dough will be used for a crumble topping.

For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Preparing the Dreamy Filling

Now, let’s move on to the luscious cheesecake layer. For this, you’ll need 8 ounces of cream cheese, which should be softened to room temperature. This is essential for a smooth and lump-free filling. If your cream cheese is still quite firm, you can speed up the softening process by microwaving it in short 15-second intervals, checking its consistency each time until it’s pliable. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. The flour acts as a stabilizer, helping the cheesecake set properly. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.

Incorporating the Flavor Enhancers

Next, we’ll add the flavor and structure to our cheesecake filling. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. This classic flavor pairs beautifully with the tang of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the cherry topping. Then, crack in 1 large egg. Whisk everything together again until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and homogenous. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing once the egg is added, as this can sometimes lead to a tougher texture.

Assembling and Baking Your Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Layering the Goodness

With both the crust and the filling prepared, it’s time to assemble these tempting Cherry Cheesecake Bars. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the pressed sugar cookie crust in your prepared baking pan. Gently spread it out with a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Now, take the reserved one-third of the sugar cookie dough mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cream cheesrum extractayer. This will create a delightful crumble topping that adds a lovely texture contrast. Finally, dollop therum extract2 can of cherry pie filling over the cookie crumble. You can use a spoon to distribute it somewhat, but don’t worry about making it perfectly even; the swirls of cherry are part of its charm.

The Golden Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookie topping is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set around the edges but might still have a slight wobble in the center. Don’t be tempted to overbake, as this can result in a dry cheesecake layer. Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial for the cheesecake to fully set and firm up.

The Finishing Touch and Chill

After the Cherry Cheesecake Bars have cooled to room temperature, you can then sprinkle the 1/3 cup of toasted sliced almonds over the top. The toasted almonds add a wonderful nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch that complements the sweet and tart cherry and creamy cheesecake. For the best texture and flavor, it’s highly recommended to refrigerate the bars for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight, before slicing and serving. This chilling period allows the cheesecake filling to become perfectly firm and sliceable. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars. Enjoy these irresistible treats!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the perfect guide to creating delightful Cherry Cheesecake Bars! These bars offer a fantastic balance of creamy, tangy cheesecake and sweet, vibrant cherry topping, all nestled on a buttery grabeef ham cracker crust. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dessert, or simply treating yourself. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you might be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is to make these delicious treats from scratch. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or elevated with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for an extra touch of elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Cheesecake Bars:

Can I use a different kind of fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! While cherries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like mixed berries, blueberries, raspberries, or even a peach or apricot compote. Just ensure the fruit is cooked down to a jam-like consistency for the best results and to prevent the bars from becoming watery.

How long do the Cherry Cheesecake Bars last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Cherry Cheesecake Bars will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.