Description
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a luscious dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust and a sweet-tart cherry topping. With a decadent texture and striking visual appeal, these bars are perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo or chocolate wafer cookies)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh pitted cherries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (if using fresh cherries)
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch (or 8×8 inch) baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully set.
- If using fresh cherries, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Cool slightly. Skip this step if using cherry pie filling.
- Spread cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate for a vegan version.
- Gluten-free cookie crumbs make this dessert gluten-free friendly.
- Try different fruit toppings like raspberry or strawberry for variation.
- Chill completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: black forest cheesecake bars, cherry cheesecake bars, chocolate crust cheesecake, holiday dessert bars, easy cheesecake recipe