Chocolate-cherry cheesecake bars are the decadent treat you didn’t know you needed until now. This irresistible dessert layers rich, chocolate-infused cream cheese over a sweet, juicy cherry compote—all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. The result is a perfectly balanced bite: crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet. Whether you’re whipping these up for a festive celebration, casual get-together, or a quiet evening at home, they’re sure to delight everyone who tries them. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare using either fresh or frozen cherries, making this recipe a year-round favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
These bars are the perfect harmony of texture and flavor. The dark chocolate adds a rich depth to the creamy cheesecake layer, while the cherry topping bursts with natural sweetness. The graham cracker crust delivers a crisp bite that enhances the silky filling. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to win hearts.
Ingredients
- 8 graham cracker sheets (crushed into fine crumbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups sweet cherries (pitted fresh or unthawed frozen)
- ¾ cup sugar, divided
- 1 (4-ounce) bar of 70% dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang. Stir graham cracker crumbs into the melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the pan’s base. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the cherry layer: In a saucepan, cook cherries with ¼ cup sugar over medium heat for 5 minutes. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency (15–20 minutes). Pulse in a food processor for a semi-chunky texture. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Create the chocolate layer: Warm the heavy cream in the microwave for 1 minute. Pour it over the chocolate pieces and let it stand for 2 minutes. Whisk until fully smooth and allow it to reach room temperature.
- Make the cheesecake mixture: In a food processor, blend cream cheese, the remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix until fluffy and seamlessly combined.
- Assemble the bars: Layer the cherry mixture over the cooled crust. Spread the chocolate cheesecake evenly on top. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Serve: Slice into 16 equal squares. Optionally, finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and serve chilled.
Helpful Tips
- Parchment Paper Trick: Leave a 2-inch overhang on all sides to lift the bars out easily.
- Cherry Check: Taste your cherries first. If they’re especially tart, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Smooth Cheesecake: For the creamiest filling, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened.
Substitutions And Variations
- Fruit Swap: Try raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries instead of cherries.
- Chocolate Twist: Use milk chocolate for a milder flavor or white chocolate for a different color contrast.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
- No-Bake Option: Use a no-bake crust and chill the bars instead of baking.
Storage Instructions
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container or covered in the original baking dish. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. These bars are not freezer-friendly as the texture may change.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 267
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 145mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 17g (12g added sugars)
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 46mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 182mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and extra fresh cherries.
- Drizzle with rich chocolate ganache for a luxurious upgrade.
- Pair with espresso or strong coffee to cut through the richness.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios for a crunchy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Can I use frozen cherries? Yes! Frozen cherries work wonderfully and are convenient since they come pitted. Use them directly from the freezer without thawing.
How much fresh cherries do I need? To get 4 cups of pitted cherries, you’ll need about 3 pounds of fresh whole cherries. Once pitted, they reduce significantly in volume.
What cherry varieties are best? Bing, Rainier, or Chelan cherries all work well. Opt for what’s fresh and flavorful. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use, and store in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Any ideas for leftover graham crackers? Absolutely! Use them as toppings for yogurt, mix into trail mix, or dip into chocolate hummus for a sweet treat.
How long can I store the bars? Keep them in the fridge in a sealed container or tightly wrapped for up to 3 days. They stay firm and flavorful when served chilled.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for joining me in making these luscious chocolate-cherry cheesecake bars! This recipe is one of my personal favorites—simple enough for a weekday dessert but elegant enough for special occasions. The contrast of the crunchy crust, creamy chocolate filling, and vibrant cherry layer is a true crowd-pleaser. I hope these bars bring a little sweetness and joy to your kitchen. Wishing you happy baking adventures, and thank you for being a cherished part of our food-loving community!
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Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate layered dessert—featuring a crisp graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping. Simple to make with fresh or frozen cherries, these bars are perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home. Try this easy recipe today!
Ingredients
8 graham cracker sheets, crushed into fine crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cups sweet cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen unthawed)
¾ cup sugar, divided
1 (4-ounce) bar of 70% dark chocolate, broken into pieces
½ cup heavy cream
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Flaky sea salt, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang. Stir graham cracker crumbs into the melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the pan’s base. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the cherry layer: In a saucepan, cook cherries with ¼ cup sugar over medium heat for 5 minutes. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency (15–20 minutes). Pulse in a food processor for a semi-chunky texture. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Create the chocolate layer: Warm the heavy cream in the microwave for 1 minute. Pour it over the chocolate pieces and let it stand for 2 minutes. Whisk until fully smooth and allow it to reach room temperature.
- Make the cheesecake mixture: In a food processor, blend cream cheese, the remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix until fluffy and seamlessly combined.
- Assemble the bars: Layer the cherry mixture over the cooled crust. Spread the chocolate cheesecake evenly on top. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Serve: Slice into 16 equal squares. Optionally, finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and serve chilled.
Notes
For best texture, ensure cream cheese is fully softened.
Taste cherries before cooking—add extra sugar if very tart.
Use parchment with overhangs to lift bars easily from the pan.
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Not freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (includes cherry reduction and crust baking) Chill Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (2-by-2-inch square)
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g