Introduction

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars combine rich chocolate cheesecake with a crisp Oreo crust, topped with cherry pie filling and whipped cream. They’re perfect for slicing into bars and serving at any gathering or dessert craving.

A square chocolate dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly black crust, the thick middle layer is a rich, smooth dark brown chocolate filling, and the top layer is white whipped cream spread evenly. Bright shiny red cherries are placed on top of the whipped cream, scattered with small dark chocolate shavings. A piece is cut out of the dessert, showing the three layers clearly. In the background, a white bowl with red cherries is slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Crust:

3 cups Oreo crumbs (about 36 Oreos)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

12 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (24 oz), softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 large egg yolk

Sweetened Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:

1 (18 oz) can cherry pie filling
Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch cake pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches hanging over the sides. Spray the lining with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
Step 3: Place chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl set over simmering water. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 4: Using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch; beat until fully combined.
Step 5: Scrape down the bowl sides. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, then add the cooled melted chocolate and mix gently.
Step 6: Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing slowly until just combined. Scrape the sides and bottom to ensure even mixing. Tap the bowl on the counter to release air bubbles.
Step 7: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cheesecake is done when edges are set and center jiggles slightly. Cool completely on a rack, then run a butter knife around edges to loosen.
Step 8: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm and chilled.
Step 9: For the whipped cream, whip chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a cold bowl until peaks form.
Step 10: Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the foil overhang.
Step 11: To assemble, either spread all whipped cream over the top, then spoon cherry pie filling and sprinkle chocolate shavings before slicing into bars, or slice into bars first, pipe whipped cream borders, fill centers with cherry pie filling, garnish with chocolate shavings, and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality chocolate for a richer cheesecake flavor.
Allow your ingredients to come to room temperature for a smooth filling.
For a lighter topping, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Try fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling for a fresher finish.
Pipe whipped cream just before serving to maintain its texture.

Storage

Store cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep toppings separate and add just before serving to keep bars fresh. To reheat, let bars come to room temperature or warm slightly in the oven, but avoid reheating the whipped cream topping.

How to Serve

The image shows square chocolate cakes on a white plate placed on a white marbled texture. Each cake has three visible layers: a dark black crust at the bottom, a thick smooth dark brown chocolate layer in the middle, and a fluffy white whipped cream layer on top. Bright red cherries cover the center of the whipped cream, surrounded by small dark chocolate shavings scattered on the cream and around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the crust with other cookies?

Yes, you can substitute Oreos with chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers for a different flavor and texture.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

To avoid cracks, do not overbeat the eggs and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Cooling the cheesecake gradually at room temperature before refrigeration also helps.