Cherry Topped Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy dessert squares with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a glossy layer of tart cherry pie topping. These festive bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and dessert tables.
Author:Emma Harper
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:3 hours (including chilling)
Yield:24 bars 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for crust)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar until well combined.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and flour.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled.
Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the top before slicing into bars.
Notes
For clean slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts.
Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Try swapping cherry topping with blueberry or strawberry pie filling for variety.