Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a decadent dessert that combines silky cheesecake, rich chocolate, and vibrant cherry swirls, prepare to fall in love with Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars. These crave-worthy bars are everything wonderful about a classic cherry cheesecake, reinvented in a handheld treat with a chocolate cookie crust and gorgeous marbled top. Perfect for gatherings or just a weeknight indulgence, this recipe is perfect for anyone who adores a blend of fruity brightness and chocolatey satisfaction.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars comes from how simple, yet thoughtfully matched, the ingredients are. Each one brings an important element to the party, whether it’s creamy texture, deep cocoa flavor, or pops of bright cherry.

• Chocolate cookie crumbs: Lend the bars their signature, intensely chocolate-flavored base, anchoring all the creamy and fruity goodness above.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the cheesecake layers to balance the tang of the cream cheese and cherries.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Holds the cookie crumbs together and gives the crust its wonderfully rich, tender texture.
• Cream cheese (softened): The soul of any cheesecake; softened cream cheese guarantees a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
• Eggs: Add structure and ensure your cheesecake bars bake up perfectly set and gorgeously creamy.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds classic cheesecake warmth and aroma.
• Cherry pie filling: Swirled right into the cheesecake for juicy, ruby-red bursts of cherry in every bite.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melting these creates the final flourish—a glossy chocolate drizzle over the chilled bars.
• Heavy cream: Mixed with the chocolate for that luscious, pourable drizzle that doesn’t harden too much on the cold bars.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, with some extra over the edges for easy removal later. This simple step ensures nothing sticks, and makes it a breeze to lift out perfect bars every time.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to blend everything together until the mixture feels like wet sand. Then, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Really pack it in—it’ll set up wonderfully to support your creamy layers.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Grab a large bowl, and beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar together until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Take your time here, because a lump-free filling is what makes Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars so luxurious. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, and finish with the vanilla extract to bring everything together.

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the silky cheesecake batter directly over the chocolate crust, smoothing out the top. Next, spoon generous dollops of cherry pie filling over the surface. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cherries into the cheesecake layer—don’t over-mix, you want gorgeous, distinct streaks running through each bar.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set and very lightly golden, with just a subtle jiggle in the center. This is the sweet spot for luscious, creamy cheesecake without overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Let the pan cool completely at room temperature, then move it to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better!). This time in the fridge is non-negotiable—it lets the flavors mingle and gives you perfectly clean-cut bars.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Drizzle

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in short 30-second bursts, stirring until glossy and smooth. Drizzle this molten chocolate artfully over the chilled bars for that irresistibly shiny finish.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Use the overhanging parchment to lift the slab out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares—each bite promises the perfect marriage of cheesecake, cherries, and chocolate.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

Enhance the wow factor of your Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars by adding a cloud of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even a few fresh cherries on top just before serving. Each garnish makes the bars look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich bars with something simple and refreshing—think a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or an icy glass of milk. The contrast helps balance the richness while letting those cherry and chocolate flavors shine even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the bars on a platter with staggered layers or pop them into decorative cupcake liners for a festive touch. You can even serve miniature versions using a mini muffin tin for a bite-sized Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars treat that’s perfect for any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or store individual bars in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacking.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Once chilled and cut, place them on a tray lined with parchment and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you love a slightly warmer chocolate drizzle, add a tiny extra drizzle of chocolate just before serving and let it sit for a few minutes so it’s soft and glossy over the chilled bars.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Just pit and chop the fresh cherries, toss them with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken, and use in place of the canned filling for a slightly less sweet, very fresh-tasting twist.

What can I substitute for the chocolate cookie crust?

Graham cracker crumbs make a delightful milder base, or try crushed Oreos for an extra chocolate punch—just remember to reduce the added sugar if your cookies are already super sweet.

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust, and make sure your chocolate chips are certified gluten-free—everything else is naturally free of gluten.

Why do my cheesecake bars crack on top?

Cracks usually come from overbaking or cooling the bars too quickly. Stick to gentle baking times and let the bars cool gradually, and you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, luscious top every time.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bars may need a little extra time in the oven (add about 5–10 minutes), but they’re a real hit at potlucks or parties!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars to turn an ordinary day into something special. If you love the classic pairing of tart cherries with creamy cheesecake and a chocolatey base, whip up a batch soon and watch them disappear. Share them with friends, or keep a secret stash in the fridge for yourself—you deserve it!

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