There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake, juicy cherries, and the sweet nuttiness of almonds, all nestled atop a buttery crust. These Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy dessert that brings together a trio of flavors and textures in every irresistible bite. They’re perfect for everything from picnics to special celebrations, and they’re so easy to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch whenever you need a little pick-me-up or a show-stopping treat to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars plays a starring role—each one is essential to building the layers of flavor and texture that make these bars so delightful. The beauty is in their simplicity, and a few thoughtful touches will make your bars truly unforgettable.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Form the classic, slightly crunchy base that holds everything together with a hint of honeyed sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the crust and the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and gives it a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of any cheesecake—smooth, tangy, and utterly creamy.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake layer set up perfectly while staying tender.
- Almond extract: Delivers a fragrant almond aroma that lingers and elevates each bite.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings a warm, familiar note to the filling.
- Cherry pie filling: Adds bright color, juicy bursts, and a pop of tart-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with almonds.
- Sliced almonds: Bring a delightful crunch and nutty finish—toast them for even more flavor if you like.
- Optional powdered sugar for garnish: A simple dusting makes these bars look as special as they taste.
How to Make Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting the finished Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars out of the pan a breeze, so you get clean, picture-perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is evenly moistened and the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—it’s the foundation for all the luscious layers to come. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, just until lightly golden and set, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 2/3 cup granulated sugar together until completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Add the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is fully incorporated. This silky filling is what gives Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars their signature richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Next, drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling all over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cherry filling into the cheesecake layer, creating pretty ribbons of cherry throughout. Finish by scattering sliced almonds across the top—they’ll toast up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone in the middle; they’ll firm up as they cool. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. This chilling time is essential for perfect, clean slices that hold their shape.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a festive sparkle to your Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars. If you want to go the extra mile, a few extra toasted almond slices or a dollop of whipped cream on each bar make them look like they came straight from a bakery display case.
Side Dishes
These bars are a delight all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad for a lighter touch, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert plate. If you’re serving these at a brunch or afternoon tea, a strong cup of coffee or a pot of black tea is the perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the bars on a pretty platter and sprinkle with a few extra cherries and almonds for color. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for a dessert buffet, or serve them in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go option. If you’re gifting, stack them in a bakery box lined with parchment and tie it up with a ribbon—homemade Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars make a heartfelt, delicious present!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy weeks or entertaining. The flavors actually deepen as they chill, so they taste even better the next day!
Freezing
If you’d like to keep some on hand for future cravings, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying. For best texture, wait to dust with powdered sugar until after thawing.
Reheating
Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled or at cool room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheesecake layer too soft and affect the crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! You can swap in fresh or frozen pitted cherries for the pie filling if you prefer a less sweet, more natural cherry flavor. Just cook them briefly with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken, then cool before swirling into the cheesecake layer.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The edges should look set and just starting to turn golden, while the center will still jiggle slightly—it should not be liquid, just a gentle wobble. The bars will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake or you’ll lose that creamy texture.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on the bars and check for that signature jiggle in the center.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before slicing?
Chilling is key for neat, clean slices and the best texture. Warm cheesecake can be messy and won’t hold its shape, so let the bars set in the fridge for at least two hours (or overnight) before serving.
What’s the best way to get clean cuts?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. For extra precision, dip the knife in hot water and dry it before slicing—this helps glide through the creamy layer and keeps the cherry swirls looking gorgeous.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive, these Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars are sure to become a new favorite. With their perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors, they’re simply irresistible. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them for every occasion!
Print
Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars that combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy almond-infused cheesecake filling and a swirl of sweet cherry pie topping. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds, these bars make a perfect dessert for gatherings or an elegant treat any day.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang is left for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes until slightly set and golden. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2/3 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Assemble the bars: Pour and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the surface and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle indicating it’s perfectly baked.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set before slicing into 16 bars.
- Serve: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For enhanced almond flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet before topping.
- Substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries for a less sweet, more natural cherry taste.
- These bars are best served chilled to maintain their creamy texture and easy slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
