Description
Delightful holiday cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and vibrant cherry topping, perfect for gatherings and dessert tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form a firm crust.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add in the cornstarch and mix until fully incorporated to ensure a stable filling.
- Gently fold the pitted and halved cherries into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to crush them.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Before serving, whip the heavy cream until peaks form and top the cheesecake bars with it for a light and fluffy addition.
Notes
These bars are best served chilled and can be garnished with whipped cream or extra cherries. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg