The Ultimate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy and decadent cherry cheesecake bars bring a burst of sweet indulgence to any dessert table.

These delightful treats combine the tangy richness of cream cheese with luscious cherry goodness.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of smooth cheesecake and fruity freshness.

The silky texture melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible dessert experience.

Layers of velvety filling and vibrant cherry topping make these bars a true crowd-pleaser.

Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this stunning dessert in no time.

One taste will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.

Holiday Dessert Squares: Sweet Features to Love

• Craft a Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert squares recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic cookie mix and cream cheese into a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, making you feel like a culinary expert.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cherry filling with other fruit preserves or add different nuts to create your own signature version, giving you creative freedom to match any taste preference.
• No-Stress Holiday Dessert: Designed to be straightforward and foolproof, this recipe ensures success even for novice bakers, reducing kitchen stress during busy celebration times.

What You’ll Need for Dessert Squares

• Cookie Mix: A sweet foundation that provides a crumbly and delicious crust for the dessert squares.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a rich and tender base with a perfect crumbly texture.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dessert squares.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and create a consistent texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic profile.
• Egg: Binds the filling ingredients and helps create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Cherry Filling: Adds a vibrant, fruity layer that complements the creamy base.

• Almonds: Introduces a crunchy and nutty element to the dessert squares.

Putting Together Holiday Dessert Squares

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil covers the sides.

Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Base

In a mixing bowl, combine cookie mix and cold butter.

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping.

Step 3: Form Initial Crust Layer

Take the remaining cookie mixture and press it evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 10 minutes until the crust looks slightly underdone and has a pale golden color.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg.

Mix until the filling becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 5: Build Layered Dessert

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust.

Then gently pour cherry filling on top, creating a vibrant fruity layer.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Combine the reserved crumbly mixture with chopped almonds.

Sprinkle this nutty crumb topping evenly over the cherry layer.

Step 7: Final Baking

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

The top should turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling should be set.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Allow the dessert to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill completely, which will help the squares set and make cutting easier.

Pro Tips for Baking Holiday Dessert Squares

• Use cold butter and mix just until crumbly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't become tough or dense.
• Par-bake the crust for 10 minutes to create a barrier that stops filling from making the base wet and mushy.
• Beat cream cheese mixture at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky, even texture throughout.
• Gently spread cherry filling to avoid mixing too much with cream cheese layer, maintaining distinct flavor zones.
• Toast almonds briefly before sprinkling to enhance their flavor and add extra depth to the dessert squares.

Ways to Switch Up Holiday Dessert Squares

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cookie mix with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and use certified gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative, use egg replacement like flax egg, and select vegan cookie mix for plant-based squares.
• Berry Lover's Option: Substitute cherry filling with mixed berry compote or raspberry preserves for a different fruity flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Use sugar substitute like stevia, replace regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and select reduced-sugar cherry filling to create a lighter dessert option.

Fun Serving Ideas for Dessert Squares

• Festive Presentation Platter: Arrange squares on a decorative holiday plate with sprigs of fresh mint and dusted powdered sugar for elegant touch.
• Dessert Companion Delight: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to enhance creamy texture and complement cherry flavor.
• Gifting Gourmet Style: Package individual squares in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons as charming homemade food gifts for friends and family.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement dessert squares with hot cocoa, coffee, or sweet dessert wine to elevate overall tasting experience.

How to Store Holiday Dessert Squares Well

• Store squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps maintain their creamy texture and prevents the cream cheese filling from spoiling.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let squares sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their flavor. This helps the cream cheese filling become more creamy and smooth.
• Place parchment paper between layers when storing multiple squares to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful appearance.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cookie mix for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute sugar cookie mix with graham cracker or shortbread mix. Just ensure the mix has similar texture and sweetness for best results.

• Is it necessary to use cold butter for the crust?

Cold butter helps create a crumbly, flaky texture in the crust. Using room temperature butter might result in a denser, less crisp base.

• How do I know when the cream cheese filling is properly mixed?

The filling should be smooth and free of lumps. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniform and creamy.

• Can I substitute fresh cherries for canned cherry filling?

While fresh cherries can be used, canned cherry pie filling provides consistent texture and sweetness. If using fresh cherries, you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a similar filling consistency.

Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy cherry cheesecake bars blend classic dessert charm with irresistible homemade goodness. Rich cream cheese and sweet cherries create a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8.5 ounces (241 grams) sugar cookie mix
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 can cherry pie filling
• 1 large egg

Dairy and Sweeteners:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) cold unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Baking Supplements:

• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (35 grams) toasted sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan by lining with foil and applying non-stick spray.
2. Combine cookie mix with chilled butter, working until mixture becomes coarse and crumbly. Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for topping.
3. Press remaining crumb mixture firmly into prepared pan, creating an even base layer. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly underdone, allowing for additional cooking during final baking.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk cream cheese with sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Carefully spread cream cheese mixture across the partially baked crust, ensuring even coverage.
6. Gently pour cherry filling over cream cheese layer, distributing evenly to create a vibrant fruit layer.
7. Combine reserved crumb mixture with chopped almonds, then delicately sprinkle this topping across the cherry layer.
8. Return pan to oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and set filling.
9. Remove from oven and allow dessert to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator for complete chilling and setting.

Notes

• Customize crumb base by substituting different cookie types like graham crackers or shortbread for unique flavor variations.
• Keep cream cheese filling smooth by ensuring ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.
• Create gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free cookie mix and checking all ingredient labels carefully.
• Enhance presentation by adding fresh whipped cream or chocolate drizzle just before serving to elevate dessert’s visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg