Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the indulgent, fruit-forward dessert you’ve been craving. These rich, layered bars marry the luxurious flavor of dark chocolate with the tart sweetness of ripe cherries, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers a decadent yet surprisingly simple dessert that’s sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you likely already have on hand, you’ll want to make these bars part of your regular dessert rotation. Let’s explore what makes this recipe absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
If you adore chocolate-covered cherries, this dessert is a dream come true. The interplay of tangy cherry compote and luscious chocolate cheesecake delivers a seamless blend of flavors in every bite. These bars are rich yet not overwhelming, with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for make-ahead entertaining or casual family treats, they’re both visually stunning and delightfully delicious. Plus, they’re chilled and easy to slice, making them perfect for summer gatherings or holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
- 8 graham cracker sheets, finely crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 (4-ounce) bar of 70% dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for a 2-inch overhang to help lift out the bars.
- Make the Crust: Pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Add melted butter and pulse to combine. Press evenly into prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cherry Layer: In a saucepan, cook cherries with 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After 5 minutes, continue to cook until thickened to a jam-like consistency (15–20 minutes). Pulse in food processor until semi-chunky. Chill for 20 minutes.
- Create Chocolate Mixture: Pour hot microwaved cream over chocolate pieces. Let stand for 2 minutes before whisking until fully smooth.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Blend softened cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until velvety. Add the cooled ganache and process until light, fluffy, and well mixed.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread cooled cherry mixture over crust. Top with chocolate cheesecake layer, smoothing evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or up to 24 hours). Cut into 16 squares before serving. Garnish with flaky sea salt if desired.
Helpful Tips
- For the smoothest cheesecake layer, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slicing.
- Generously line your pan with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Taste your cherries before cooking; sweeter cherries may need less sugar.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cherries: Swap sweet cherries for tart cherries or use a mix for added depth.
- Chocolate: Use semi-sweet chocolate for a gentler sweetness or try white chocolate for a creative variation.
- Crust: Substitute graham crackers with chocolate cookies or digestive biscuits.
- Cream Cheese: Try mascarpone for a richer taste.
- Add-ins: Stir mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cheesecake layer for extra texture.
Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll remain fresh for up to 3 days. To make ahead, keep them in the baking pan, tightly covered. For long-term storage, freeze individual portions and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per 2-by-2-inch bar
- Calories: 267
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 145mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 17g (12g added)
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 46mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 182mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
- Garnish with fresh cherry halves and sprigs of mint for a gorgeous finishing touch.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or cherry syrup if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh? Absolutely. Frozen cherries are picked and frozen at peak ripeness. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing.
How many fresh cherries do I need for 4 cups pitted? You’ll need close to 3 pounds of fresh cherries, as pitting reduces their total volume.
What kind of cherries work best? Any sweet variety like Bing, Rainier, or Chelan will work well. Just ensure they’re fresh and store them unwashed in the fridge until use.
Can I change the crust? Yes! Chocolate cookie crumbs or even a nut-based crust would complement the cherry-chocolate flavor profile wonderfully.
What should I do with leftover graham crackers? Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream, or use as a crust for mini pies and parfaits.
How long do the bars last in the fridge? They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making these luscious Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines rich chocolate, tangy cherries, and creamy cheesecake into a blissful bite-sized treat. They’re simple to make, decadent to eat, and always a hit at gatherings. I truly hope they become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this delicious journey with me!
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Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Creamy, rich, and loaded with fresh cherry flavor, these Chocolate-Cherry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet-tart cherry compote, and smooth chocolate cheesecake. A no-fuss, no-bake crowd-pleaser that chills beautifully for easy serving.
Ingredients
8 graham cracker sheets, crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 cups pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
4 oz 70% dark chocolate, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Pulse graham crackers and melted butter in a food processor. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Simmer cherries with 1/4 cup sugar until thickened (15–20 min). Pulse and chill.
Pour hot cream over chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk smooth.
Blend cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add chocolate mixture and blend until fluffy.
Spread cherry compote over crust, then top with cheesecake layer.
Chill for 4+ hours. Slice and garnish with flaky sea salt.
Notes
Can be made up to 24 hours ahead.
Use parchment overhang to easily lift bars from the pan.
Frozen cherries work well; no need to thaw
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (2x2-inch)
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 17g (12g added)
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g