Looking for a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite? The Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This luscious treat combines a rich chocolate cookie crust with a creamy, dreamy cherry-infused cheesecake filling that’s studded with melty chocolate chips. Every bar offers the perfect balance of tangy cherries and indulgent chocolate, making it a showstopper for any occasion or just a joyful snack to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, from the crumbly, buttery crust to the silky cheesecake and the burst of fruity cherry goodness.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: Provide a crunchy, chocolatey base that holds the bars together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the cookie crumbs and adds richness to the crust.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake, delivering that classic tang and smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without overpowering the cherries.
- Large eggs: Help set the cheesecake filling while keeping it light and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Sour cream: Balances sweetness with a slight tang and adds silkiness to the batter.
- Cherry pie filling: Brings moist bursts of cherry flavor and a festive pop of color.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide little pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, which helps the bars lift out cleanly after baking. Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until every crumb is coated and the mixture is evenly combined. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan to create a sturdy, delicious base for your cheesecake.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy—this step is crucial for that ultra-silky texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and avoid lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream for that classic cheesecake flavor and velvety finish.
Step 3: Add the Cherry and Chocolate
Gently fold in the cherry pie filling along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Folding carefully ensures the cherries stay in little pockets throughout the cheesecake rather than all sinking to the bottom. This step is what makes the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe so delightfully fruity and chocolatey in every bite!
Step 4: Bake
Pour your cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars luscious and creamy.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow them to set perfectly. Chilling makes slicing neater and lets all those beautiful flavors marry wonderfully. Before serving, feel free to spoon on extra cherry pie filling for an added burst of vibrant color and sweetness.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and flavor by adding fresh cherries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Whipped cream is also an excellent companion, turning these bars into an elegant dessert without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
Pair your chocolate cherry cheesecake bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the dense cheesecake, while a citrusy fruit salad cuts through the richness for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving smaller, bite-sized bars on pretty platters for parties or wrap individual bars in parchment paper for take-home treats. For an extra touch, layer them in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh cherries to create a stunning, shareable dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cheesecake bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps preserve their texture and flavor—just remember that they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save leftovers for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the cheesecake’s delicate texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you’d rather use fresh cherries, cook them down with a bit of sugar until they release their juices and thicken slightly. This homemade cherry topping will work wonderfully in the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe and give it a fresh, natural cherry flavor.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
An 8×8-inch baking pan is perfect for these bars because it creates thick, satisfying squares. Using a larger pan will yield thinner bars, which might bake faster and have a different texture.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese to room temperature is key for achieving that creamy, lump-free filling. It blends better with the other ingredients and helps create the smooth texture we all love in cheesecake bars.
Can I make the crust crunchier?
Definitely! For a crunchier crust, simply bake the chocolate cookie crumb and butter mixture alone for about 8 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling. This extra step toasts the crust slightly, adding a satisfying texture contrast.
How long should I chill the bars before slicing?
At least 3 hours of refrigeration is important so the cheesecake sets properly and slices cleanly. For best results, chill overnight. This resting time also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s festive, impressive, and downright addictive, the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe should be your next baking adventure. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you take that first bite, these bars will become a new favorite to whip up again and again.
Print
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent and rich Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars featuring a chocolate cookie crumb crust, creamy cherry-studded cheesecake filling, and a luscious balance of chocolate and cherry flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a delightful dessert bar with the classic combination of chocolate and cherries.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (plus more for topping if desired)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a small bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Next, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well incorporated.
- Add Cherry Filling and Chocolate: Gently fold in the cherry pie filling and the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours to set properly before slicing.
- Serve: For an extra touch, spread additional cherry pie filling on top before serving, if desired. Slice into 9 bars and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crunchier crust, bake the crust alone for 8 minutes before adding the cheesecake filling.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with sugar as an alternative.
- Bars are best chilled overnight for cleaner, neater slices.
