Description
These decadent cherry cheesecake bars feature a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling and a vibrant, sweet cherry pie topping. Perfect for gatherings, these handheld dessert squares offer the sophistication of a classic baked cheesecake in a convenient and portable format. By using temperature-controlled ingredients and careful mixing techniques, this recipe delivers a consistent, crack-free result that will impress guests of all ages.
Ingredients
24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 premade 9×13 graham cracker crust
21 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Press the graham cracker crust firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
Bake the crust for ten minutes to set the foundation, then remove it from the heat.
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl on low speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid aerating the batter.
Stir in the vanilla extract carefully using a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps in your filling. Over-mixing the batter can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks, so keep the mixer speed low. For clean slices, wipe your knife with a damp, warm cloth between every cut.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Trending
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
