Name: Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 12 cracker sheets); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons white sugar; 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 eggs; 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 21 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 81 reviews

If you have a craving for something creamy, fruity, and delightfully simple, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, velvety cheesecake filling and the juicy pop of cherry pie topping. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family dessert, or just yourself, these bars come together with straightforward ingredients and create a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing treat that tastes as good as it looks. I always find that the balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet cherry fruit makes this recipe one of the most satisfying no-fuss desserts to have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a round bead-like edge is filled with smooth, creamy, pale yellow mixture swirled gently on top, sitting on a white marbled surface. To the left of the bowl lies a metal whisk with a wooden handle, some of the creamy mixture lightly coating its wires. The scene is simple and clean, focusing on the texture of the cream and the delicate shape of the bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is as much about simplicity as it is about flavor. The ingredients are few but essential, each playing a special role in achieving that perfect harmony of texture and taste.

Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): Creates the crunchy, buttery crust foundation that gives each bar a satisfying bite.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crumbs together and adds richness without overpowering the cheesecake flavors.
White sugar (2 tablespoons and 3/4 cup): The small amount in the crust adds subtle sweetness, while the larger quantity sweetens the cheesecake filling.
Cream cheese (16 ounces, softened): The star ingredient that makes the cheesecake filling smooth, tangy, and luscious.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Brings creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the texture and flavor depth.
Eggs (2): Provide structure so the cheesecake filling sets perfectly without being cakey.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tablespoon): Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the cream cheese beautifully.
Salt (a pinch): Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Cherry pie filling (21 ounces): The fruity crowning touch that adds vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor on top.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper—this little step makes cleanup a breeze and helps the bars lift out easily later. In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, white sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs become sandy and well-coated with butter. Press that mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your lined pan; using the bottom of a cup makes this task quick and effortless. Bake it for about 10 minutes—this pre-baking step helps the crust set firmly and deepens its nutty, buttery flavor.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

While your crust is baking, get started on the luscious cheesecake layer. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Next, add sugar and sour cream, then mix on medium speed until everything blends into a silky batter. Lower the mixer speed and beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; this ensures the filling is smooth without incorporating too much air. Pour this mixture gently over your warm crust and smooth it out evenly—this even layer is what makes each bar perfectly balanced between crust and filling.

Step 3: Bake and Chill

Bake the cheesecake layer for 35 to 40 minutes. You want to look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center—this indicates creamy, not dry, cheesecake bars. Once baked, cool the pan to room temperature on a wire rack, and then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or even up to 3 days if you want to make them ahead. Chilling lets the bars firm up beautifully, making them easier to slice without cracking.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping and Serve

After your bars are properly chilled and cut into 12 squares, spoon generous tablespoons of cherry pie filling over the top of each bar. The juicy cherries add stunning color and just the right amount of sweetness and tartness to complement the creamy layers beneath. Now your Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is ready to wow anyone lucky enough to get a bite!

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

A square piece of cheesecake with three layers is shown on a white plate. The bottom layer is light brown and crumbly, serving as the crust. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and pale yellow, making up most of the cake. The top layer is bright red cherry sauce with whole cherries, glossy and smooth, slightly dripping over the edges. A spoon is pulling a part of the cherry topping and cheesecake, held by a woman's hand. The background is a white marbled surface with a part of a gray and white striped cloth visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars look lovely with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If you want to get extra fancy, add a few fresh cherries or a sprig of mint on top to bring freshness and a pop of color that makes presentation even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea also pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the cheesecake with warm, comforting sips.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the bars on a pretty platter lined with spring greens or edible flowers. You can also dribble a little chocolate or white chocolate sauce over the cherry topping for a decadent twist that impresses every dessert lover at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, store leftover Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their creamy texture and fresh flavor for up to 4 days, making them excellent for enjoying as a make-ahead dessert or snack.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Cheesecake Bars keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to retain the best texture.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is usually not necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, you can leave them at room temperature for about 20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the cheesecake to become grainy or unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! You can use fresh pitted cherries, but it’s best to cook them slightly with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a thick, luscious topping that mimics the texture of pie filling.

Why does my cheesecake crack when baking?

Cracks usually form if the oven temperature is too high or if you overbeat the eggs, introducing too much air. Baking the bars gently and not overmixing helps keep the cheesecake perfectly smooth and crack-free.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crumbs or almond flour to maintain the crust’s texture without gluten.

How long should I chill the bars before serving?

Chilling for at least 2 hours is key to letting the cheesecake set properly, but you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Longer chilling enhances the flavor and makes slicing cleaner and easier.

Are these bars suitable for parties and potlucks?

They are perfect for gatherings! Easy to serve by the bar, visually striking, and rich in flavor, these cherry cheesecake bars always disappear fast at parties.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe, I promise it will become one of your go-to desserts for its ease, incredible taste, and beautiful presentation. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, the blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh cherry topping is pure joy in every bite. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to wow your taste buds and your friends!