Description
These Cherry Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and sweet-tart cherry topping. Easy to assemble and perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea, they offer a delightful texture and flavor balance. A no-fail dessert for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press into prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled crust. Chill 20 minutes to set.
Spread cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, then drizzle with lemon juice. Chill for 2 hours to set completely.
Cut into 12-16 bars and serve.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. Substitute cherry filling with other fruit pie fillings if preferred. Chill at least 2 hours for clean cuts. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg