Description
These No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a delicious and easy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust layered with a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bars require no oven time and come together quickly in under 15 minutes of prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip
Topping
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Microwave the butter for about 30 seconds or until completely melted to prepare for combining with the crust ingredients.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand with an even texture.
- Form Crust: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish to create a uniform crust layer.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, removing any lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and the mixture is silky smooth.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture, being careful to keep the texture light and fluffy without deflating the whipped topping.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling 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, covering it completely with cherries and syrup.
- Chill Bars: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set firmly.
- Serve: After chilling, slice the cheesecake into 9 to 12 squares and serve them cold for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered tightly to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- To enhance the cherry topping, drain some syrup if you prefer less sweetness or a thicker topping.
- These bars are best served chilled; avoid leaving them at room temperature for long periods.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
