Think homemade cheesecake is a lot of work? Think again! These delicious bars are so easy to make. Topped with juicy cherries and rich dark chocolate for a wonderfully sweet treat.
Did you know February is National Cherry Month? I’m a Wayfair Homemaker, and today I’m excited to join in their Cherry Sweet event! I’m sharing a tasty cherry recipe to celebrate.
I’ve been wanting to try making cheesecake at home, but I decided to go with an easier version for my first try. These bars make homemade cheesecake so easy!
You start with a sugary graham cracker crust, followed by the yummy cheesecake. Top with cherries and dark chocolate, bake, slice and enjoy!
This is a simple treat, but it makes for such a pretty dessert! It’s so rich and messy you almost have to eat it with a fork.
[Tweet “Mmmm! I want to make these Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars from @aSavoryFeast”]
As I write this post, these bars are sitting in my fridge and calling my name! They are just so tempting. It’s a good thing I have lots of willing taste-testers to give them away to. Otherwise I would eat way too many!
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the graham cracker crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, about 15 full sheets of graham crackers
- 1 stick, 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the cherry cheesecake filling:
- 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 of a 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
For the graham cracker crust:
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- If you are using full sheets of graham crackers to make the crumbs, you can crush them using a food processor or by putting them in a ziploc bag and using something heavy like a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to crush.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar. Stir until combined.
- Press into an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside, but leave the oven on.
For the cherry cheesecake filling:
- Use an electric beater to mix the cream cheese, egg, vanilla and sugar.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Spoon the cherries over the cream cheese mixture. You don't have to cover the entire thing with cherries, just spread them randomly.
- Sprinkle with dark chocolate chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for a few hours before cutting into squares and serving.
Laura Jean Gilleland says
YUM! I love anything with a graham cracker crust.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Me too! It’s especially good with cheesecake!
Kati says
I love cherries and chocolate! And Cheesecake 🙂 These look so good. Pinned!
Sarah says
I love chocolate and I love cherries => I LOVE these bars 🙂 They look delicious!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
These sound like the perfect sweet treat for you! I hope you get a chance to try them soon.
Cristina says
Ooooooh chocolate and cherries… and graham crackers… yum!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
It’s a triple threat, that’s for sure! You will love these.
CakePants says
These look irresistible! The chocolate chips are a great addition – I’ve had cherry cheesecake, but never chocolate cherry cheesecake. Yum!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I just can’t help adding chocolate to almost every dessert! It’s my favorite.
Anna @ Anna Can Do It! says
Oh my, these looks mouth-watering! I love love love chocolate and cherry combination, adding it to cheesecake makes it divine! Yummy! – Love, Anna
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
This is a winning combo for sure! I have been wanting to make it again soon. You should try it, too!