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