Craving a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor? Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a Cherry Chocolate Dessert Bars treat that combines a silky cheesecake layer, vibrant cherry swirls, and a chocolate cookie crust for pure indulgence. These chocolate cherry bars are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet weeknight treat. With a glossy chocolate drizzle, this creamy cherry cheesecake is sure to impress. Let’s make these Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Decadent Layers: These Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with fruity cherries.
- Handheld Treat: Easy-to-serve bars, perfect for sharing or snacking.
- Quick to Prep: Ready to bake in under 20 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill overnight for effortless entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A chocolate swirled cheesecake everyone will adore.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy cherry cheesecake (makes 16 bars):
Crust:
- 2 cups (200g) chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., chocolate wafers or Oreos)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240g) cherry pie filling
Drizzle:
- ½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Butter knife
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Ingredient Tips
- Cookie Crumbs: Use Oreos (without filling) or chocolate wafers for the crust in these Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars.
- Cherries: Fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch work for a homemade chocolate cherry bars filling.
- Cream Cheese: Soften fully for a smooth creamy cherry cheesecake texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Swap for dark chocolate for a richer chocolate swirled cheesecake.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute milk for a thinner drizzle, adjusting as needed.
Directions for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Let’s make these Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars—a perfect chocolate swirled cheesecake!
Prepare the Pan and Oven
I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). I line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal, ensuring clean cuts for this creamy cherry cheesecake.
Make the Chocolate Crust
In a medium bowl, I mix 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ cup melted butter until it resembles wet sand. I press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating an even layer for the chocolate cherry bars.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, I beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until smooth and lump-free. I add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract for a velvety chocolate swirled cheesecake filling.
Assemble and Swirl
I pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing the top. I spoon 1 cup cherry pie filling in dollops over the surface and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect in these chocolate cherry bars, avoiding over-mixing.
Bake
I bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set with a slight center jiggle. I cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (overnight is best) for a firm creamy cherry cheesecake.
Add Chocolate Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 2 tbsp heavy cream in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. I drizzle over the chilled bars for a glossy chocolate swirled cheesecake finish.
Serve
I lift the bars out using the parchment, cut into 16 squares, and serve, savoring these chocolate cherry bars.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: ~4 hours
- Servings: 16 (1 bar per serving)
- Calories: ~250–300 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 5g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Try these twists on this creamy cherry cheesecake:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Vegan Breakfast Cookies.
- Berry Swap: Substitute blueberry pie filling for a different chocolate cherry bars twist.
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter drizzle.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed almonds to the crust for texture.
- Mini Bites: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized chocolate swirled cheesecake treats.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a fruity dessert duo.
Storage
I store leftover chocolate cherry bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezing, I freeze on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight. I serve cold or at room temperature, adding a fresh chocolate drizzle if desired.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Arrange these Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars on a platter with whipped cream.
- Garnish: Add fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for flair.
- Pairing: Pair with fresh berries or LaylaCooks’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1–2 bars per person for a sweet treat.
- Occasions: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or weeknight desserts.
FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, pit and chop fresh cherries, toss with sugar and cornstarch, for a fresh Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars twist.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust in this creamy cherry cheesecake.
Why did my bars crack?
Avoid overbaking and cool gradually to keep this chocolate swirled cheesecake smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Double and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding 5–10 minutes, for a crowd-pleasing chocolate cherry bars batch.
Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
Yes, the bars are still delicious without it for a simpler creamy cherry cheesecake.
More Cheesecake Recipe You’ll Love
- Creamy Ube Cheesecake
- No-Bake Pineapple Heaven Cheesecake Dessert
- Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Quesadillas
- Dark Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake
- No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. This chocolate swirled cheesecake is perfect for any occasion. Whip up these chocolate cherry bars, share with loved ones, and enjoy their rich, fruity bliss!
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake:
- 2 packages 8 oz each cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan to form a crust.
- Make the Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Add Toppings: Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Swirl with a knife. Bake.
- Chill and Serve: Cool, then refrigerate. Melt chocolate with cream, drizzle over bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute graham crackers for the chocolate crust for a different flavor.
- For more chocolate, add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter.
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