Dreamy Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet moments often demand a delightful cherry vanilla cheesecake bars surprise that melts right into your afternoon.

Creamy layers promise pure indulgence with minimal kitchen effort.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with bright cherry notes for a dreamy dessert.

Subtle vanilla undertones complement each rich, velvety bite.

Delicate graham cracker crusts provide perfect textural contrast against smooth filling.

Elegant yet simple, these bars invite casual celebration without complicated techniques.

Every slice promises pure comfort and sweet satisfaction.

I bet you cannot resist trying this irresistible treat.

Reasons To Adore Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

• Bake with Minimal Effort: This recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet cherry topping, and buttery graham cracker crust guarantees a dessert that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
• Prepare in No Time: With straightforward steps and quick preparation, these bars can be ready from start to finish without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Party Treat: These cheesecake bars work beautifully for potlucks, picnics, birthday celebrations, or as a delightful weekend dessert that everyone will love.

Essential Ingredients For Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the bars a smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a vibrant, fruity layer that complements the creamy cheesecake base with its sweet and slightly tart flavor.

How To Craft Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a light spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even, compact base for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the texture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps. Pour this luxurious mixture directly over the prepared graham cracker crust.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 5: Cool And Top With Cherries

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, generously spread cherry pie filling across the entire surface.

Step 6: Chill And Serve

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for several hours. This helps the bars set and enhances the flavors. Slice into squares and serve cold for a delectable dessert.

Expert Advice For Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version of these delightful bars.
• Drain excess liquid from cherry pie filling to prevent a soggy crust and maintain a perfect texture.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and a silky cheesecake consistency.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for richer, more decadent bars that hold their shape beautifully when sliced.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to the cheesecake batter for a subtle brightness that complements the sweet cherries.

Creative Twists For Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

• Chocolate Cherry Swirl: Replace vanilla with melted dark chocolate, creating rich marble patterns in the cheesecake bars. Drizzle additional chocolate on top for extra decadence.
• Almond Cherry Crunch: Mix crushed almonds into graham cracker crust for added texture. Sprinkle sliced almonds over cherry topping before chilling.
• Lemon Cherry Fusion: Add fresh lemon zest to cheesecake mixture for bright, citrusy notes. Use homemade cherry compote instead of canned pie filling for a more vibrant flavor profile.
• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars: Skip baking process by using gelatin to set cheesecake layer. Freeze bars instead of refrigerating for quicker preparation.

Ideal Food Matches For Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

• Sip Sweet Cherry Wine: Pair these creamy cheesecake bars with a chilled glass of sweet cherry wine, enhancing the dessert's fruity notes and creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Chai: Match the bars with a warm vanilla chai tea, which echoes the vanilla undertones and provides a cozy, aromatic counterpoint to the rich cheesecake.
• Serve Alongside Amaretto: Drizzle a small shot of amaretto liqueur near the cheesecake bars, its almond-like sweetness beautifully highlighting the cherry and vanilla flavors.
• Refresh with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a light, crisp sparkling rosé that cuts through the creamy cheesecake and complements the cherry topping with its delicate bubbles and fruity profile.

Guidelines For Storing Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

• Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into portions, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for quick individual servings.
• Bring refrigerated bars to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For frozen bars, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the texture.

Answers To Common Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars Questions

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Pit and chop them, then mix with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a similar consistency to pie filling.

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

The edges will look set and slightly puffy, while the center might still be slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use ground gluten-free cookies like almond or coconut flour-based options.

Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky smooth cherry vanilla cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with fruity elegance, creating a dessert that whispers indulgence. Sweet cherries and delicate vanilla dance across a buttery graham cracker crust, promising pure bliss in each delectable bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 can cherry pie filling

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar

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Instructions

1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating an overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s base to create a compact, even crust.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes creamy and well-blended.
4. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching for the edges to set and the center to remain slightly jiggly.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
7. Once cooled, generously spread cherry pie filling across the entire surface of the cheesecake, creating a vibrant and glossy topping.
8. Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight to ensure proper setting and enhanced flavor development.
9. When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into uniform bars, and plate.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Enhance flavor by adding a touch of almond extract to the cherry pie filling for deeper complexity.
• Prevent cracks in cheesecake by avoiding overmixing and letting the bars cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
• Create a swirl effect by gently dragging a knife through cherry filling to give a beautiful marbled appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 283 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 152 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg