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Decadent Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cheesecake Bars

chocolate-covered cherry cheesecake bars - featured image
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These chocolate-covered cherry cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake, tart cherries, and a rich chocolate shell for an indulgent yet easy homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries, distributing evenly without smashing.
  7. Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
  9. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  10. Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second bursts in microwave, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
  11. Pour melted chocolate over chilled cheesecake layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
  12. Return to refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let chocolate harden.
  13. Lift cheesecake out of pan using parchment overhang and slice into bars with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth batter. Be gentle folding in cherries to keep bursts intact. Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture. Melt chocolate slowly and stir often to prevent burning. Chill bars overnight for best flavor and texture. Gluten-free and vegan substitutions available.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate, cherry, cheesecake bars, easy dessert, homemade, quick dessert, chocolate-covered, maraschino cherries

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/decadent-chocolate-covered-cherry-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-idea/