Description
These Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars combine a rich chocolate cookie crust with a creamy cherry-infused cheesecake layer, baked to perfection for a decadent dessert. Topped with extra cherry pie filling, they offer a luscious blend of chocolate and fruity flavors ideal for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Batter
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- pinch of salt
Fillings & Toppings
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until well blended. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined.
- Fold in chocolate and cherries: In a small bowl, toss the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the all-purpose flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the cream cheese batter along with the cherry pie filling, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and enhance flavors.
- Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the chilled cheesecake slab from the pan and cut into 12 equal squares. Optionally, spoon additional cherry pie filling on top of each bar before serving to add extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a richer crust flavor, try using crushed chocolate graham crackers or Oreo cookies instead of chocolate cookie crumbs.
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar for a homemade cherry topping.
- These bars are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
