Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat that combines the best of two desserts—cheesecake and cherry pie! They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a family gathering or just want a simple dessert, these bars will hit the spot.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make these Cherry Cheesecake Bars because they are quick to prepare and require simple ingredients. They are creamy, fruity, and have a lovely texture with a crunchy topping. Plus, they are sure to impress your family and friends! Once you try them, you’ll want to make them over and over again.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Making Cherry Cheesecake Bars is simple and fun. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a tasty dessert in no time!
Ingredients
- 8.5 ounces Sugar Cookie Mix
- 4 tablespoons Cold Unsalted Butter, cubed
- 8 ounces Softened Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 can Cherry Pie Filling
- 1/3 cup Toasted Sliced Almonds
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the sugar cookie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese and granulated sugar, mixing until smooth. Spread this mixture gently over the baked cookie crust, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top for a nice crunch.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Once done, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Bars
These delicious bars are best served chilled. You can enjoy them as is or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra sweetness. They are perfect for dessert after lunch or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee!
How to Store Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This helps you mix it easily and makes the cheesecake layer smooth.
- Don’t skip the toasting of the almond slices; it gives a great crunch!
- If you love cherries, feel free to use more cherry pie filling on top.
Variation
If you’re not a fan of cherries, you can use other fruit fillings, like blueberry or strawberry. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for an extra delicious twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. How can I tell when the cheesecake layer is set?
It should be firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. A slight jiggle in the center is okay!
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.