🧺 Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- â…“ cup sour cream
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling
🔪 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later.
2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Bake for 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
3. Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth (about 30 seconds) using a hand mixer. Add in sour cream, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and flour. Mix until well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Add dollops of cherry pie filling over the top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cherries into the cheesecake batter for a marbled effect.
5. Bake and Chill
Bake at 325°F for 35 minutes, or until the center is just set. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3–4 hours before slicing.
🥄 Tips for Success
- Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Beat until just combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
- Cool Completely: Chilling is essential—it helps the bars set properly and enhances the flavor.
🍒 Variations to Try
- Blueberry Swirl: Swap cherry filling with blueberry pie filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top for an extra indulgent twist.
- Lemon Zest: Mix in a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus touch.
đź’ Final Thoughts
These Cherry Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a dessert: rich, smooth, tangy, fruity, and downright irresistible. They strike the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance—ideal for any occasion or no occasion at all. Make a batch, slice them up, and watch them disappear!