Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, classic cherry cheesecake bars layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. A nostalgic dessert that’s both simple to prepare and guaranteed to please a crowd—perfect for holidays or casual gatherings.
24 Servings
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs approximately 16 full sheets
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces 2 blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 can 21 ounces cherry pie filling
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on both sides for easy removal after baking.
Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm base. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing gently to avoid overbeating.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Cheesecake Layer:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges appear set and the center is slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
Cool and Chill:
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure proper setting.
Add the Cherry Topping:
- Before serving, evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the chilled cheesecake layer.
Slice and Serve:
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert from the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife. Serve chilled.
Notes
To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a certified gluten-free graham cracker brand. Ensure all other pre-packaged ingredients, such as the cherry pie filling and vanilla extract, are verified gluten-free as well. No other substitutions are necessary.