Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful balance of creamy, tangy cheesecake and sweet, luscious black cherries. The first bite sends your taste buds on a joyride you didn’t know you needed. Imagine biting into a perfectly chilled square, where the rich creaminess meets the tartness of cherries, creating a flavor explosion that could make even your most stoic friend shed a tear of joy. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips and tricks recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for black cherries?
- How long do these bars need to chill?
- Can I freeze Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This recipe isn’t just for dessert; it’s for those life moments that deserve a little extra sweetness. Picture yourself at a summer picnic with friends, everyone indulging in these bars while sharing laughter and stories. That’s the magic of Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars—they bring people together, create memories, and leave everyone wanting more. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are super easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
- The combination of flavors creates a mouthwatering dessert that’s also visually stunning
- Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these bars are versatile enough to please everyone
I remember the first time I made these Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars; my friends devoured them in seconds and begged for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for a smooth crust that holds together well.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust and adds richness; make sure it’s fresh.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamy texture and flavorful cheesecake filling.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cherries; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Eggs: Large eggs provide structure and help set the cheesecake; room temperature works best.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling; opt for full-fat for optimal flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances overall flavor; avoid imitation if possible.
- Black Cherries: Fresh or frozen black cherries add sweetness; pitting is essential for an enjoyable bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to maintain that silky texture.
Add Creaminess: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract for added depth of flavor. Ensure everything is well combined; we want no lumps here!
Add Black Cherries: Gently fold in your pitted black cherries into the cheesecake mixture. This ensures every bite has that sweet cherry goodness mixed throughout.
Bake to Perfection: Pour your luscious filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles when shaken.
Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial—patience will reward you with perfectly set bars!
Enjoy your homemade Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars as they become an instant hit at any gathering!
You Must Know
- These Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning
- The creamy texture paired with the tartness of black cherries creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, they never disappoint!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To ensure success with your Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars, start by mixing the crust while preheating your oven. Bake the crust first to provide a solid base for the cheesecake filling, ensuring a perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries or blueberries instead of black cherries. You could also swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone to add a unique flavor twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best results, enjoy them cold rather than reheated; they’ll retain their creamy texture this way.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling
- Avoid overmixing once you add eggs to keep it light and fluffy
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean slices every time
Sharing these Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars at my last family gathering led to endless compliments and requests for the recipe, proving that dessert can truly bring people together.
FAQ
What can I substitute for black cherries?
You can use raspberries or blueberries if black cherries aren’t available.
How long do these bars need to chill?
Allow them to chill in the fridge for at least four hours before serving.
Can I freeze Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to two months without losing quality.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Black Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
Savor the delightful layers of creamy cheesecake and tart black cherries in these irresistible bars. Perfect for any occasion, each bite offers a burst of flavor that brings friends and family together, creating sweet memories to cherish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, full-fat
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup black cherries, pitted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined. Fold in pitted black cherries gently.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
- Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (56g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg