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
Scale
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
