Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, all in a creamy cheesecake layer. These bars are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, these bars will surely satisfy your taste buds!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it is a simple yet impressive dessert that everyone will love. The combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic, and when blended into a creamy cheesecake, it creates a rich flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, these bars are great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. They can also be made ahead of time, making dessert planning a breeze!

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Making Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars is quite easy! Follow these steps for a delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

3 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups cold butter
2 cups (1 pound) cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 large eggs
1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen cherries, quartered
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
2 tbsp whipping cream (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for topping later. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes while preparing the cheesecake filling.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, white sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs, beating until fully incorporated. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the chopped cherries evenly over the cheesecake layer. Use your hands to press together the reserved crumble mixture, then break it into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top.
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set in the center. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.
For the drizzle, melt the chocolate chips and whipping cream in a double boiler. Once melted, spoon the mixture into a piping bag and drizzle over the cooled bars. Refrigerate in an airtight container. These bars freeze well too!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

To serve these bars, simply cut them into squares or rectangles once they have completely cooled. You can enjoy them as they are, or for a special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They make a great dessert for any gathering or a sweet treat at home!

How to Store Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Store your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to make them last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smoother cheesecake mixture.
If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them before adding them to the bars to avoid excess moisture.
For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can add more chocolate chips to the crumble topping.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by adding other fruits like raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries for a different flavor. Mixing in some nuts like walnuts or almonds can also add a nice texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference!
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two in advance, and they store well in the refrigerator.