Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Delicious and creamy cheesecake bars with a rich chocolate cookie crust, topped with sweet cherry pie filling and optional chocolate shavings or whipped cream. Perfect for a decadent dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, without filling)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Optional: dark chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
- Optional: whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
- Make the Chocolate Crust: In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined and moistened. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt, and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream until smooth.
- Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the bars cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Chill Completely: Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
- Add the Cherry Topping: Once chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smooth coverage.
- Slice and Garnish: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges. Garnish each square with chocolate shavings or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- To avoid cracks, do not overbake the cheesecake and allow it to cool gradually in the oven.
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake bars overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional garnishes add extra flavor and presentation appeal but can be omitted for simplicity.
Keywords: cheesecake bars, cherry topping, chocolate crust, creamy dessert, baked cheesecake
