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
Scale
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.
