Description
Classic homemade cherry cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy vanilla cheesecake layer, and a sweet cherry pie filling topping. Easier than a full cheesecake and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Topping:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and sour cream.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour batter over crust and bake 30-40 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.
7. Cool completely at room temperature.
8. Top with cherry pie filling and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
Notes
**Room Temperature Ingredients:** Essential for a lump-free cheesecake filling.
**Cooling:** Don’t skip the chill time; it’s necessary for the bars to firm up enough to slice cleanly.
**Storage:** Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg