These Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a luscious combination of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and tangy cherry filling. Perfect for an indulgent dessert that will impress your guests!
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cherry pie filling
Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh cherries (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lined 9×9 inch pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes and let it cool.
- Chocolate Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and refrigerate until firm.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter over the chocolate layer.
- Add Cherry Filling:
- Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm.
- Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Pour over the chilled cheesecake and garnish with fresh cherries.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for another hour to set the topping. Slice into bars and serve.
Tips for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars:
- Serving Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance, making them a perfect choice for entertaining!
FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars:
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
- Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to add sugar to sweeten them to your liking.
- What can I use as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
- You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or Oreo cookie crumbs for a chocolatey twist.
- How do I know when the cheesecake layer is set?
- The cheesecake should be firm to the touch and not jiggly in the center when it’s done baking.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, you can freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
- How can I make these bars even more decadent?
- Consider adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer or drizzling more chocolate over the top before serving!
These Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are rich and decadent, combining the sweetness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, all balanced with creamy cheesecake. They are perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or as a sweet treat for yourself!
