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Loaded Cherry Cheesecake Bars

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These bars combine a warm, buttery crust with a silky smooth cheesecake filling and a sweet-tart cherry topping, creating a decadent yet easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits crushed
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) pitted fresh or frozen cherries, thawed and drained if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper with an overhang.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon if using. Stir until evenly coated. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth (2-3 minutes). Add sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until silky smooth. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Make the cherry topping: Toss cherries with cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice until well coated.
  5. Assemble bars: Pour cheesecake filling over warm crust and spread evenly. Spoon cherry mixture evenly on top, gently pressing cherries into filling without mixing.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Avoid overbaking.
  7. Cool bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Slice using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth filling. Pre-bake crust to prevent sogginess. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks; center should jiggle slightly. Chill bars fully before slicing for clean cuts. If cherry topping is watery, add more cornstarch. For extra shine, brush cherry topping with warmed apricot jam after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, cherry dessert, easy cheesecake, homemade dessert bars, cherry topping, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/loaded-cherry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-decadent-dessert-bars/