Introduction:
Satisfy your cravings for a heavenly dessert experience with our irresistible Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars! These delectable treats combine the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry with creamy cheesecake, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Join us as we delve into the delightful world of Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars, perfect for indulging in a sweet escape any time of day.
Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Crumble Mixture:
- 3 cups flour
- ⅔ cup cocoa
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1½ cups cold butter
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups (1 pound) cream cheese
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1⅓ cups fresh or frozen cherries, quartered
- For the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp whipping cream
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the flour, brown sugar, cocoa, and butter until the mixture is crumbly. Alternatively, use a pastry knife or two butter knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 25 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- For the filling, beat the cream cheese, white sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Scatter the chopped cherries on top.
- Crumble the reserved crust mixture and sprinkle over the cheesecake layer.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cheesecake is set.
- Let cool completely before slicing. For the optional chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate chips and whipping cream together and drizzle over the bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freezes well.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Kcal: 217 | Servings: 36 cookie bars
Serving Tips:
- Chilled Presentation: For the best taste and texture, serve Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars chilled. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving to allow them to set properly.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Before serving, add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the bars with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or fresh cherry halves. This adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor profile.
- Precise Slicing: To achieve clean and neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This prevents the knife from sticking to the cheesecake layer, resulting in smooth edges.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of rich flavors and warm beverages creates a delightful indulgence for any time of day.
- Individual Portions: For a party or gathering, consider cutting the bars into smaller bite-sized portions for easy serving and enjoyment by guests. Provide small dessert plates and utensils for convenience.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Avoid Odor Absorption: To prevent the bars from absorbing unwanted odors in the refrigerator, store them away from strong-smelling foods or items with pungent aromas.
- Freezing Instructions: Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Serving from Frozen: When ready to enjoy frozen Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Alternatively, you can thaw individual portions at room temperature for quicker thawing.
- Reviving Stale Bars: If the bars become slightly dry or stale after refrigeration, you can freshen them up by briefly microwaving each portion for a few seconds to soften the cheesecake layer. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the chocolate to melt.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
- Yes, fresh cherries can be used in place of cherry pie filling. Simply pit and chop the cherries, then simmer them with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened to make your own cherry filling.
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for the chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! You can use semisweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips in the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars, depending on your preference. Each type of chocolate will impart its own unique flavor to the bars.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make gluten-free Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the chocolate chips and cherry pie filling, are also gluten-free.
- How long do these bars need to cool before slicing?
- It’s best to allow the Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the cheesecake layer to set properly, resulting in clean and neat slices.
- Can I substitute other fruits for the cherry topping?
- Certainly! While cherries complement the chocolate and cheesecake flavors beautifully, you can experiment with other fruit toppings such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert or a special indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to impress with their irresistible taste and stunning presentation. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with our Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars recipe!