If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and indulgent dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings, Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat! This dessert blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful combination of chocolate and cherries. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, attending a party, or just want a dessert to enjoy at home, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
To make these delightful cheesecake bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs – You can use crushed chocolate cookies or even chocolate graham crackers for the crust.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – This will help bind the cookie crumbs together and form the crust.
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese is essential for that smooth, creamy texture.
- ½ cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- 2 large eggs – These will give the filling its structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and flavor to the filling.
- ½ cup sour cream – Helps create a creamy texture while adding a slight tang to the cheesecake filling.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted – Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the cheesecake batter.
- ¾ cup cherry pie filling – The star of the topping, giving the cheesecake bars a fruity sweetness. You can also use fresh or frozen cherries if desired.
- Extra cherry pie filling for topping.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). You want it to be at the perfect temperature for baking the cheesecake bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of chocolate cookie crumbs and ¼ cup melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated in butter. Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This creates the base of your cheesecake bars.
Once pressed evenly into the pan, bake the crust for 8 minutes. Allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing everything until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate & Cherry Swirls
Divide the cheesecake batter evenly into two bowls. In one bowl, stir in the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. You’ll now have two different batters: one plain and one chocolate-infused.
Spread the plain batter evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, and then drop spoonfuls of the chocolate batter on top. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bars are ready when the center is just set (it should still jiggle slightly). You don’t want to overbake the bars, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they have cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours. Chilling them will help the flavors meld together and allow the bars to firm up, making them easier to slice.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, remove the cheesecake bars from the refrigerator and cut them into 12 bars. Top each bar with extra cherry pie filling for added flavor and visual appeal. These bars are perfect for serving as a dessert at any occasion or for indulging in a sweet treat whenever you crave something rich and satisfying.
FAQs for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these bars are even better when made a day or two ahead of time. The flavors have time to fully develop, and they become easier to slice. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries! However, fresh cherries will need to be cooked down into a compote or syrup before using them as a topping, so they don’t have the same thick consistency as cherry pie filling. Simply simmer them with a little sugar until they break down into a syrupy consistency.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
If you don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips on hand, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Adjust the sweetness to your preference, as dark chocolate may be less sweet than semi-sweet chocolate.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! If you prefer, you can experiment with a different type of crust. A graham cracker crust, shortbread crust, or even an almond flour crust can all work well, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
Conclusion:
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a rich chocolate crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet addition of cherries, they’re a treat that’s hard to resist. The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility—you can make them ahead of time, adjust the flavor to your liking, and serve them at any gathering or event.
The swirled chocolate and cherries on top not only make these bars visually appealing but also enhance the flavor profile, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, potluck, or just as a special treat for your family, these cheesecake bars will be sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth!