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Creamy Cherry Cheesecake Bars

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These creamy cherry cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a bright cherry preserve topping. Quick and easy to make, they are perfect for any occasion and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cherry preserves or pie filling
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and rolling with a pin.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with ¼ cup sugar and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand.
  4. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan, about 1/3 inch thick. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gradually add ½ cup sugar and continue beating to combine.
  7. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  8. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until just combined.
  9. Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles.
  10. Drop spoonfuls of cherry preserves on top of the cheesecake layer. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cherries gently into the filling for a marbled effect without overmixing.
  11. Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  12. Cool the bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  13. Lift the bars out of the pan using parchment paper overhang and slice into 9 or 12 squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Softening cream cheese is crucial to avoid lumps. Press crust firmly but not too hard to keep a crumbly texture. Add eggs one at a time and avoid overmixing. Bake until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly to maintain creamy texture. Chill bars overnight for best slicing and flavor melding. Use a warm knife for clean cuts. Variations include using fresh cherries, adding nuts to crust, or making dairy-free/gluten-free substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, cherry cheesecake, graham crust, easy dessert, creamy cheesecake, cherry preserves, quick dessert

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-cherry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-graham-crust-delight/