Description
Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars offer a creamy and luscious dessert with a crunchy graham cracker crust, sweet cream cheese filling, fresh cherries, and a delicate almond glaze. Perfectly balanced with rich textures and fruity notes, these bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Prepare crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix until evenly moistened. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle fresh cherries over the top, then optionally add sliced almonds for extra crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheesecake layer is set and edges lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cheesecake bars, cut into 12 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator after cooling for firmer texture before serving.
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor, but frozen can be substituted if thawed and drained well.
- Sliced almonds are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- Adjust glaze thickness with more or less milk depending on desired consistency.
