Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into a luscious layer of smooth cheesecake, topped with vibrant black cherry compote, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Apple Crumble Cheesecake recipe It’s like a party for your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this Mini Rolo Cheesecakes recipe.
Every time I make these bars, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandma would whip up her famous cheesecake. The smell of baking filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to sneak a taste. Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake Whether it’s for a summer picnic or a cozy winter gathering, these bars promise to impress and satisfy every palate. Peach Bread Pudding recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any occasion
- The flavor profile combines rich creaminess with fruity tartness for a delightful treat
- Their stunning appearance makes them an eye-catching dessert at any gathering
- These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, whether chilled in summer or warmed in the winter months
I’ve seen friends’ faces light up when they take their first bite of these delicious bars!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Look for finely crushed crumbs for the best crust; you can even crush whole crackers in a food processor.
Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to bind the crust together beautifully; it adds richness without being overly salty.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here; it sweetens both the crust and cheesecake filling effectively. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake recipe.
Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese before mixing; it helps achieve that dreamy smooth texture we crave.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature; they help create a fluffy texture when whipped into the batter.
Black Cherry Pie Filling: Opt for high-quality pie filling; it enhances the flavor and adds visual appeal on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This step is crucial unless you want to perform acrobatics while trying to extract those delicious bars.
Create the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until fully mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using either your hands or the bottom of a glass. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust cools slightly, beat softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until fluffy and smooth. Add sugar gradually while continuing to mix until well combined. Blend in sour cream and eggs one at a time; this creates a lovely creamy consistency.
Add Flavorings: Incorporate vanilla extract into the filling mixture for an extra layer of deliciousness. Keep beating until everything is fully blended and there are no lumps remaining; you want this filling silky smooth.
Pour and Spread: Gently pour your cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust using a spatula to spread it evenly. This will ensure every bite contains that creamy goodness we all love so much.
Top with Black Cherry Filling: Spoon generous dollops of black cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it gently into the filling without disturbing it too much—this creates beautiful swirls that showcase both flavors.
Bake Away!: Place your dessert back into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges appear set but the center still has a slight jiggle—it’ll firm up as it cools! Let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you’re feeling patient).
Enjoy serving these heavenly Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars cold from the fridge! They’re perfect with whipped cream or fresh cherries on top if you want extra flair. Cherry Rice Krispie Treats.
Now you have a wonderful treat ready for any occasion! You might just find yourself making them again and again because they’re simply irresistible!
You Must Know
- Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that balances sweet and tart flavors
- The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the juicy cherries, making each bite an experience
- Don’t skip chilling them; your patience will pay off in deliciousness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while preheating the oven. Then, mix the cheesecake filling, pour it over the crust, and layer with black cherries for a perfect bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap black cherries with blueberries or raspberries. For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of almond extract or zest of lemon.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy them warm, pop them in the oven for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother mixture and avoid lumps
- Ensure you cool the bars completely before cutting to maintain clean edges
- Don’t rush the chilling process; it enhances the flavor and texture
Sometimes, I serve these bars at family gatherings. The way everyone’s eyes light up after their first bite is simply priceless!
FAQ
What can I use instead of black cherries?
You can substitute black cherries with any berries like raspberries or strawberries.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well in the fridge for up to five days.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Bake at a lower temperature and avoid opening the oven door during baking for best results.
Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 9 bars 1x
Description
Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with a sweet-tart black cherry topping, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars evoke nostalgia for family gatherings and are sure to impress friends and family alike. Perfect for any season, they’re easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 can (21 oz) black cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- For the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl; press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, then incorporate sour cream and eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and top with dollops of black cherry filling; swirl gently.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges set but center jiggles slightly. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: - Substitute black cherries with blueberries or raspberries for variations. - For added flavor, mix in almond extract or lemon zest. - Allowing the bars to chill enhances their flavor and texture.