Description
These No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delightful, creamy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry pie topping. Perfect for quick preparation without any oven use, this recipe is a simple and delicious way to satisfy cheesecake cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping
- 1 can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8 x 8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Create the Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating that the sugar is fully incorporated and the texture is smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, begin mixing the heavy cream on low speed, gradually increasing to high until it forms stiff peaks, turning it into whipped cream.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using the mixer on high speed until fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy filling. Spread this evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
- Add Cherry Topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer and carefully smooth it out, ensuring an attractive and even cherry topping.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Remove the bars from the fridge, lift them out of the dish using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve with a smile ready for cherry cheesecake lovers!
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when cutting the bars.
- Chilling overnight yields the best texture for clean, firm bars.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add a little cherry juice from the pie filling into the cream cheese mixture before chilling.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easier removal of the bars.
