Description
If you love the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and creamy cheesecake, these Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are for you! They have a fudgy chocolate crust, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a sweet cherry topping. These bars are elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough to make any day of the week.
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Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crust:
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Chocolate Cookie Crumbs (1½ cups) – Crushed chocolate cookies for a crunchy base.
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Butter (6 tbsp, melted) – Helps bind the crust together.
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Sugar (2 tbsp) – Adds a slight sweetness.
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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Cream Cheese (16 oz, softened) – The star ingredient for a creamy texture.
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Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the cheesecake.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor.
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Eggs (2 large) – Helps set the cheesecake.
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Sour Cream (¼ cup) – Adds extra creaminess.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate (½ cup, melted) – Creates a chocolate swirl effect.
For the Cherry Topping:
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Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz) – Classic Black Forest flavor.
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Fresh Cherries (½ cup, optional, pitted & halved) – For extra cherry goodness.
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Dark Chocolate Shavings (optional, for garnish) – A fancy finishing touch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Crust
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
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Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
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Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
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Drizzle the melted chocolate over the batter and use a toothpick to swirl it for a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
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Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 10 minutes before removing.
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Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping
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Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
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Add fresh cherries if using, and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for garnish.
Step 5: Slice & Enjoy!
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Carefully lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper.
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Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake.
Chill Completely: Refrigerating overnight makes slicing easier.
For a Crispier Crust: Bake the crust for an extra 5 minutes.
Want More Chocolate? Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American-German Fusion