Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with juicy cherries and crunchy pistachios in a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, they make an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Step 3: Sprinkle half of the chopped pistachios evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the cheesecake batter over the pistachios and spread it out evenly.
- Step 4: Evenly distribute the pitted cherries on top of the cheesecake batter, then scatter the remaining pistachios over the cherries.
- Step 5: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but mostly firm. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let the bars cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld.
- Step 7: Before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and serve cold to enjoy the creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available, just thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake batter for a bright, citrus twist.
- Toast the pistachios lightly for extra nutty flavor.
Storage
Store the cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They are best enjoyed cold. To reheat, let them come to room temperature for 20 minutes; avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove any excess juice before adding to the bars.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars actually benefit from chilling overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set perfectly.
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Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cream cheese filling, studded with fresh cherries and crunchy pistachios. Baked to perfection and chilled for a smooth, luscious texture, these bars are a delightful blend of fruity, nutty, and sweet flavors, perfect for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until it is set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Sprinkle half of the chopped pistachios evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the cheesecake batter over the pistachios and spread it out evenly. Evenly distribute the pitted cherries on top of the batter, then sprinkle the remaining pistachios over the cherries for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set and the center slightly jiggly but mostly firm. Be careful not to overbake to maintain moistness in the bars.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to let the cheesecake fully set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and serve cold to enjoy the creamy texture combined with the fruity cherries and crunchy pistachios.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cherries in season or frozen cherries that have been thawed and drained well.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, increase the almond extract slightly but be cautious as it can overpower the other flavors.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbake to keep the cheesecake bars moist and creamy.
- Storing the bars overnight in the refrigerator improves texture and flavor.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry cheesecake bars, pistachio cheesecake, baked cheesecake bars, creamy cherry dessert, nutty cheesecake bars
