Quick & Dreamy Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet dreams come alive with these decadent chocolate cherry cheesecake bars that blend rich cocoa and luscious fruit in every delightful bite.

Layers of creamy filling nestle between crumbly graham cracker crust and smooth chocolate ganache.

Intense cherry notes dance through the dessert, creating a symphony of flavors.

Chocolate and cherries make magic when combined with velvety cream cheese.

Every forkful promises pure indulgence that melts on your tongue.

Dessert enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this irresistible treat that looks stunning and tastes even better.

You cannot wait to slice into these beautiful bars and savor each magnificent moment.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Perfection

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational dry ingredient that creates the base of the cheesecake bars.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, deep sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a crumbly texture and adds richness to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy component that gives the bars their signature smooth texture.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle brightness and helps cut through the richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake filling set properly.

• Fresh Cherries: Add a burst of fruity flavor and color to the cheesecake bars.
• Chocolate Chips, Whipping Cream: Create an optional decadent chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.

How to Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13 inch rectangular pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to cover the bottom and sides completely.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Crust

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Butter

Blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this crumbly mixture for later.

Step 3: Form Initial Crust Layer

Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Ensure an even, compact layer that will serve as the base of your bars.

Step 4: Prebake Crust Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly, allowing the crust to set and become slightly crisp.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• White sugar
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix until silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 6: Layer Cheesecake Mixture

Pour the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Distribute chopped cherries evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the reserved cup of chocolate crumb mixture over the cheesecake layer, creating a delightful textured top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Reduce oven temperature to 325F (163C). Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 9: Cool and Garnish

Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate chips mixed with whipping cream over the top for extra indulgence.

Step 10: Store and Serve

Refrigerate in an airtight container. These bars freeze beautifully and can be enjoyed for several days.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Perfect Crust Technique: Pulse dry ingredients with cold butter until it resembles coarse sand for a flaky, rich base that doesn't crumble.
• Smooth Cheesecake Secret: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy texture without overbeating.
• Cherry Distribution Trick: Gently scatter chopped cherries to ensure even flavor throughout each bar and prevent sinking.
• Baking Temperature Control: Lower oven heat after initial crust baking to prevent burning and ensure gentle, even cooking of the delicate cheesecake layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic, making them perfect for advance party preparation.

Variations to Customize Your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements and preparation method.
• Vegan Cheesecake Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown and white sugars, and opt for sugar-free dark chocolate chips for the drizzle.
• Fruit Swap Variation: Exchange cherries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor profile while keeping the chocolate base consistent.

Pairing Suggestions to Complement Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Decadent Dark Chocolate Wine: Select a rich, full-bodied port or cabernet sauvignon that complements the deep chocolate notes in the cheesecake bars, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.
• Complement with Fresh Cherries: Serve a small side of fresh cherry compote or whole cherries to amplify the fruit element and provide a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy cheesecake texture.
• Balance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars to create a luxurious temperature and taste contrast, softening the richness of the chocolate and cheesecake.
• Create Espresso Pairing: Brew a small shot of robust espresso or rich cappuccino to cut through the dessert's sweetness and highlight the chocolate undertones, providing a classic European-style dessert experience.

Storage Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Place bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or quality.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance taste.
• Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 325F for 3-5 minutes to restore a crisp crust and maintain creamy filling.

FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen cherries completely before chopping and adding to the cheesecake layer to prevent excess moisture.

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

The edges will look set, and the center will have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Is there a way to prevent my crust from becoming soggy?

Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan and pre-bake it before adding the cheesecake layer. This helps create a crisp, stable base for your bars.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the crust?

Yes, you can replace brown sugar with granulated sugar, and use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends as alternatives to all-purpose flour.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars: Sweet and Tart Harmony

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Combine the rich decadence of chocolate with tangy cherries and creamy cheesecake for a sophisticated dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Batch Bake for Crowds: Yields 36 cookie bars perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or sharing with colleagues, making portion control and serving a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows optional chocolate drizzle and simple ingredient swaps, letting bakers add personal creative touches without stress.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Stores beautifully in refrigerator, freezes wonderfully, and can be prepared in advance – ideal for busy home bakers wanting delicious desserts without last-minute rush.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate cherry cheesecake bars blend luscious flavors into an irresistible dessert masterpiece. Sweet cherries and creamy chocolate create a delightful harmony that will enchant dessert enthusiasts with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Bars Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (1 pound) cream cheese
• 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, quartered
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups cold butter

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and ready a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or light greasing.
2. Pulse flour, brown sugar, cocoa, and butter in a food processor until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. If no food processor is available, use a pastry knife to cut butter into dry ingredients.
3. Separate 1 cup of the crumb mixture for later topping, then firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust for 25 minutes, allowing it to cool and set slightly after removing from oven.
5. Create the cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese, white sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and uniform.
6. Incorporate eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
7. Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, then distribute chopped cherries across the surface.
8. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cheesecake layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
9. Reduce oven temperature to 325F (163C) and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheesecake sets and appears slightly firm.
10. Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
11. Optional: Melt chocolate chips with whipping cream and drizzle decoratively over the cooled bars.
12. Refrigerate in an airtight container. These bars can be frozen for extended storage.

Notes

• Crust Perfection: Use cold butter for a flakier, more crumbly texture that creates a delightful base for the cheesecake bars.
• Cherry Selection: Choose fresh, ripe cherries for the most vibrant flavor, or opt for frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available.
• Smooth Cheesecake Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth filling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg