Description
These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars combine a rich chocolate graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling and a luscious cherry topping for a perfect dessert that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Top: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. Before serving, top with cherry pie filling and optional fresh cherries.
- Serve: Lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Optional cornstarch can be added to cherry pie filling if it seems too runny.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly for best texture.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, use fresh ripe cherries along with the pie filling.
- Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inch)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: black forest cheesecake bars, chocolate cheesecake bars, cherry cheesecake dessert, baked cheesecake bars, easy cheesecake recipe
