If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy desserts paired with a burst of fruity goodness, you are absolutely going to adore this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars combine a luscious chocolate cookie crust with a smooth cherry-infused cheesecake filling, topped off by melty chocolate chips and vibrant cherries. Each bite is a perfect balance of chocolaty, tangy, and sweet that feels like a decadent treat but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re sharing at a party or sneaking a bite after dinner, these bars have a way of making every moment just a little bit sweeter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to unlocking the incredible taste and texture of these cheesecake bars. Each component plays an important role, from the crunch of the chocolate cookie crust to the creamy cheesecake layer enlivened with cherry pie filling.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs (1 1/2 cups): Provides a rich, crunchy base that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds the right touch of sweetness to both crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/3 cup): Binds the cookie crumbs to form a firm and flavorful crust.
- Cream cheese, softened (16 oz): Gives the dessert its signature creamy cheesecake texture.
- Large eggs (2): Helps set and stabilize the cheesecake mixture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the filling with subtle aromatic notes.
- Cherry pie filling (1 cup, plus extra for topping): Provides bursts of juicy, tangy cherry flavor throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds a melty, rich chocolate topping that complements the cherries beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Helps prevent the cherry filling from making the cheesecake too watery.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter until everything is evenly combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the pan to create a solid crust layer. Bake it for about 8 minutes and then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling—this allows the crust to set nicely so it won’t crumble when you add the cheesecake topping.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the texture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to bring out all the warm, sweet notes. In a separate small bowl, toss the cherry pie filling with the flour; this step helps thicken the filling and stops extra moisture from spreading through the cheesecake. Gently fold this cherry mixture into the cream cheese batter until swirls of fruit are evenly dispersed.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cherry and cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips right on top—you’ll love the way they melt slightly during baking for little pockets of gooey chocolate. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden and the center feels set but still tender. Once done, take the pan out and allow it to cool to room temperature before it heads to the fridge. Chilling for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait, lets everything firm up perfectly for clean slicing.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your guests, add a dollop of extra cherry pie filling on top of each bar right before serving. Fresh cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar also make wonderful accents. A little whipped cream on the side never hurts either, enhancing the creamy texture of the cheesecake with extra fluffiness.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and flavorful enough to be the star of the show, but pairing them with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep things seasonal, fresh berries or a citrus compote complement the cherry element beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe on a stylish wooden board or a colorful platter for a rustic touch. Layer a few bars with parchment paper in a decorative box for gift-giving. You can also cut them into mini squares and present them on a dessert buffet to let guests sample several treats without filling up too quickly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and chilled, these cheesecake bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or parties.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying for the best texture.
Reheating
Because of their creamy filling, these bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to warm them slightly, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or warm gently in a low oven for 5 to 7 minutes, taking care not to melt the chocolate chips too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cherries, pit and chop them before tossing with the flour to keep the filling from getting watery. You might also add a bit of sugar or a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the texture of pie filling.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The edges should look lightly golden, and the center should be set but might have a slight jiggle. If you gently shake the pan, the center shouldn’t be liquidy. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for its classic flavor, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter substitutes. Keep in mind that texture and taste may vary.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the bars delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Because they contain cream cheese, it’s best to keep these bars refrigerated. They can sit out for about 2 hours safely, but after that, refrigeration is important to maintain freshness and food safety.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is like creating a little box of joy that you can slice and share with anyone who loves dessert. With its rich chocolate crust, creamy cherry-infused filling, and irresistible chocolate chips, this recipe proves that incredible tasting desserts don’t need to be complicated. I truly hope you try it soon and enjoy every luscious bite as much as I do!
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Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes including chilling
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars combine a rich chocolate cookie crust with a creamy cherry-infused cheesecake filling. Topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional extra cherry pie filling, they make a delightful and easy dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Extra cherry pie filling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Incorporate cherries: In a small bowl, coat the cherry pie filling with the tablespoon of flour. Gently fold this mixture into the cheesecake batter, taking care not to overmix to maintain some cherry texture.
- Assemble: Pour the cherry cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust in the pan. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly on top of the batter.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cheesecake center is set and the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to firm up before slicing.
- Serve: Optionally top each bar with extra cherry pie filling before serving for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- You can substitute cherry jam or fresh pitted cherries if cherry pie filling is unavailable.
- Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan for larger gatherings.
