Name: Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, without filling); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup sour cream; Pinch of salt; 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; Optional: dark chocolate shavings or curls for garnish; Optional: whipped cream for serving

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Introduction

These cheesecake bars combine a rich chocolate cookie crust with a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet cherry topping. Perfect for a crowd or a special treat, they’re easy to make and delightfully satisfying.

A square piece of dessert is on a white plate with a thin brown rim, next to a silver fork on the right side. The dessert has three layers: the bottom layer is thick, dark brown, and crumbly like crushed cookies; the middle layer is thick, creamy, and pale yellow; the top layer is bright red cherry topping with whole shiny cherries in a glossy sauce. In the background, the rest of the dessert with the same three layers sits on brown parchment paper and a wire rack. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with cherries and some stacked white plates with dark round cookies on top, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, without filling)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for crust)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
Pinch of salt
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional: dark chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Optional: whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in sour cream until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let cool inside for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from oven, cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
Step 6: Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer using a spatula or spoon.
Step 7: Lift bars out using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares with a sharp knife, and garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use crushed chocolate wafer cookies if you prefer a different chocolate flavor for the crust.
For a tangier topping, substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries tossed in a little sugar and lemon juice.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to reduce cracking on top.
Chilling overnight helps the bars set firmly and improves slicing.

Storage

Store leftover cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For best texture, let the bars come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

A square piece of cherry cheesecake bar is placed on a white plate with a thin brown rim, and a small silver fork rests beside it. The bar has three clear layers: a thick, dark brown crumbly base, a creamy and smooth pale yellow middle cheesecake layer, and on top, a glossy red cherry topping with whole cherries coated in bright red jelly. In the background, a larger uncut cheesecake bar is shown on brown parchment paper with one slice missing, set on a cooling rack. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with cherries and a few chocolate sandwich cookies on a white marbled surface. The overall colors contrast well with the white marbled background, highlighting the dessert’s rich and bright tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit topping instead of cherry?

Yes, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings like blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berries. Homemade fruit compotes also work well.

Why is the cheesecake layer cracking?

Cracking can occur if the oven temperature is too high or the cheesecake cools too quickly. Baking at a gentle temperature and letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks.