Cheesecake Bars with Cherry Pie Filling and Almond Topping Recipe

Introduction

Cheesecake bars combine the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with a buttery sugar cookie crust, topped with sweet cherry pie filling and crunchy almonds. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a special treat.

Ingredients

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold
• 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1 Egg
• 3/4 can Cherry Pie Filling
• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cold, cubed butter. Use a fork to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Step 3: Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumbly mixture. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then place in the refrigerator to cool quickly.
4. Step 4: While the crust is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, covering it completely.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
7. Step 7: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved crumbly mixture, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the cherry filling.
8. Step 8: Bake the assembled bars for 40 minutes. Let them cool for 30 minutes before refrigerating until they are cold and firm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the sliced almonds lightly before mixing them into the crumbs.
• Swap cherry pie filling with blueberry or raspberry for a different fruit twist.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

Storage

Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat by letting them come to room temperature or enjoy chilled. These bars do not freeze well due to the texture of the cheesecake layer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of the sugar cookie mix?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite sugar cookie dough, but adjust the amount of butter accordingly to maintain a crumbly texture for the crust.

How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

The edges should be set and lightly golden while the center remains slightly jiggly but not liquid. They will firm up as they cool in the refrigerator.

Cheesecake Bars with Cherry Pie Filling and Almond Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (3×3 inch pieces) 1x

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Description

Delight in these rich and creamy cheesecake bars with a buttery sugar cookie crust, topped with luscious cherry pie filling and crunchy almond crumble. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert, they combine classic flavors in an easy-to-make bar form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust and Topping

• 1 (8.5 oz) Sugar Cookie Mix
• 4 tbsp Butter, Cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup Almonds, Sliced

Cheesecake Filling

• 1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 Egg

Topping

• 3/4 can (approximately 12 oz) Cherry Pie Filling

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray, and set it aside.
2. Make the crumble base: In a small bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the cold, cubed butter. Use a fork to blend them together until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup of this crumbly mixture for the topping, and press the rest firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After baking, transfer it to the refrigerator to cool quickly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
5. Assemble the cheesecake layer: Evenly spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
6. Add cherry topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer, spreading carefully to cover the surface.
7. Prepare and add the crumb topping: Stir the sliced almonds into the reserved cookie crumble mixture. Sprinkle this almond crumble evenly over the cherry pie filling.
8. Bake the assembled bars: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set.
9. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill until cold and firm before cutting and serving.

Notes

• Using cold butter helps create a crumbly, biscuit-like base and topping.
• For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings for different flavors.
• Store these bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Let the bars chill thoroughly to achieve clean slices when cutting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesecake bars, cherry cheesecake bars, dessert bars, easy cheesecake recipe, cherry pie filling dessert