Why You’ll Love These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars
- Simple but Elegant: They look like they came from a bakery but are easy to make at home.
- Rich and Creamy: A velvety cheesecake layer with chocolate and cherries in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead of parties or celebrations.
Tools You’ll Need
- Spatula
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Description
If you love the rich, chocolatey goodness of Black Forest cake and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, these Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert mashup! With a chocolate cookie crust, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a topping of sweet cherries and chocolate shavings, these bars are elegant yet simple to make. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll be a show-stopper at your next gathering.
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Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed (about 20 cookies)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup dark chocolate, shaved or grated
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the sugar and mix until combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and flour. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake the cheesecake layer in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle the top with shaved chocolate for a beautiful finish.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
- Slice into squares or rectangles, and garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate adds a luxurious touch.
- Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key—let the cheesecake chill completely for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
A: Absolutely! Cook fresh cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade topping.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and substitute gluten-free flour in the cheesecake layer.
Q3: Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Definitely! White chocolate adds a sweeter, creamier twist to the topping.
Conclusion: A Decadent Delight!
These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and sweet cherries. Whether it’s for a holiday dessert table or a weeknight treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Try them out, and prepare for rave reviews!
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 220
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Indulge in every bite of this dessert masterpiece and share the joy with your family and friends!