Dreamy Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Rich chocolate and sweet cherries dance together in these irresistible cheesecake bars that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Creamy layers meld perfectly between buttery graham cracker crusts and smooth chocolate ganache.

Dessert enthusiasts understand these bars represent pure indulgence without complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a luxurious combination of textures and intense flavors.

Soft cream cheese mingles with deep cocoa notes, creating a decadent experience.

Unexpected cherry bursts add bright complexity to the classic chocolate profile.

You cannot resist the allure of these simple yet elegant treats that come together in minutes.

Make these bars and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Are So Popular

• Delight in Simple Indulgence: These chocolate cherry cheesecake bars offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors, making them an irresistible treat for dessert lovers.
• Craft with Minimal Effort: The recipe requires basic baking skills and straightforward ingredients, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a stunning dessert without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend desserts, these bars appeal to all ages with their decadent combination of creamy cheesecake and fruity cherry swirls.
• Prepare Ahead and Enjoy: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them an excellent option for busy hosts who want to have a delicious dessert ready without last-minute stress.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a delicious, crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor to the base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Cocoa Powder: Introduces a deep chocolate flavor to the cheesecake mixture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a sweet and tart fruity layer that complements the chocolate cheesecake base.

How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious chocolate cherry adventure.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish, creating a solid foundation for our cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Eggs

Mix everything until the texture is completely free of lumps and looks velvety.

Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Masterpiece

Pour the luscious cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Dollop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling across the top. Using a knife, create beautiful swirled patterns that will make your dessert look like a work of art.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove and let cool completely. Refrigerate for a few hours to help the bars firm up before slicing into delectable squares.

Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Perfectly Swirl Filling: Use a toothpick or thin knife to create beautiful marble-like patterns when adding cherry pie filling, ensuring even distribution throughout the cheesecake.
• Control Crust Crumbliness: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact, stable base that won't fall apart when cutting bars.
• Prevent Cracking Technique: Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter and bake at consistent temperature to prevent surface cracks, resulting in smooth, creamy texture.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Allow cheesecake bars to cool completely in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing, which helps achieve clean, precise edges.
• Boost Flavor Variation: Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry, or add chocolate chips for extra richness and texture complexity.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs.
• No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Bars: Skip the baking process by using a chilled mixture of silken tofu, melted chocolate, and cherry compote set in the refrigerator.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free cherry preserves to reduce overall sugar content.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Boldly with Rich Red Wines: Select full-bodied red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complement the chocolate's deep flavors and match the dessert's decadent profile.
• Elevate with Creamy Coffee Companions: Match the cheesecake bars with a smooth espresso or cappuccino, which cuts through the richness and enhances the chocolate and cherry notes.
• Contrast with Sparkling Refreshments: Serve alongside chilled champagne or prosecco, creating a delightful balance between the dessert's dense texture and the drink's light, bubbly character.
• Highlight with Dessert Liqueurs: Drizzle or serve a small shot of cherry liqueur like Kirsch or chocolate liqueur beside the bars to intensify the dessert's existing flavor dimensions.

Storage Advice for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their rich chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing keeps the creamy cheesecake consistency intact.
• Warm bars briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture changes and maintain the original smooth, decadent taste.

FAQs on Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Fresh cherries can work, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar first to create a similar consistency and sweetness as pie filling.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are properly baked?

Look for slightly set edges with a slightly jiggly center. The bars should not be completely liquid but also not completely firm when you gently shake the pan.

• What type of cocoa powder works best for this recipe?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a richer, smoother chocolate flavor, but natural unsweetened cocoa powder will also work well in these cheesecake bars.

• Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for mixing the cheesecake batter?

No, a hand mixer or even vigorous whisking can work. The key is to blend the ingredients until smooth and free of cream cheese lumps.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (excluding chilling time)
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate cherry cheesecake bars blend rich cocoa with luscious cherry notes for a dessert that whispers pure delight. Creamy layers and tangy fruit create a memorable treat you’ll savor with each blissful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cherry pie filling

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter

Baking Ingredients:

None

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter, pressing firmly into an even layer at the bottom of the pan.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
4. Carefully spread the chocolate cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, creating a level surface.
5. Strategically dollop cherry pie filling across the top of the cheesecake layer, using a knife to create elegant swirled patterns.
6. Bake at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes, watching for slight firmness at the edges and a subtle jiggle in the center.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
8. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 3 hours to set and enhance flavor development.
9. Lift the chilled dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into neat, uniform bars.

Notes

• Ensure graham cracker crust is firmly and evenly pressed to create a stable base for the cheesecake bars.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
• Experiment with dark or milk chocolate cocoa powder to adjust the intensity of chocolate flavor according to preference.
• Drain excess liquid from cherry pie filling to prevent soggy bottom and maintain clean swirl patterns when creating decorative top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg