Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• For the cheesecake:
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the cherry topping:
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup cherry preserves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
• For the chocolate drizzle:
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• For garnish:
  • Sliced almonds
  • Fresh whole cherries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift out the finished bars easily.
2. Make the crust:
   • Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the cheesecake layer:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
4. Bake the cheesecake:
   • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5. Make the cherry topping:
   • In a saucepan, combine cherries and cherry preserves over medium heat. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the cherry mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
   • Spread the cherry topping evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
6. Prepare the chocolate drizzle:
   • Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
   • Drizzle the chocolate over the cherry layer.
7. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle sliced almonds and place fresh whole cherries on top for decoration.
8. Chill:
   • Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.
9. Serve:
   • Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and serve.

Enjoy your decadent Cherry Cheesecake Bars, perfect for a sweet treat or special occasion! If you have any specific preferences or need more recipes, just let me know.