Creamy Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Heaven Awaits

Decadent desserts can spark pure joy, and these creamy cherry almond cheesecake bars will absolutely delight your taste buds.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with sweet cherries and crunchy almonds.

The rich layers create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience of tangy and sweet flavors.

Delicate almond undertones complement the luscious cherry swirls nestled within the velvety cheesecake base.

The crumbly graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that balances the creamy filling.

Serve these irresistible bars at your next gathering and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert excitement.

Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Dessert with a Twist

• Streamlined recipe with simple steps that even novice bakers can master, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bars offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet cherries, and crunchy almonds that everyone will love.
• Flexible recipe that lets you adjust toppings, swap cherries for other fruits, or experiment with different nut varieties, making it a go-to dessert for creative cooks who enjoy personalization.
• Convenient bar format means easy cutting, simple plating, and minimal cleanup, ideal for those who want delicious desserts without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars

Main Ingredients:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundational layer that provides a classic, sweet, and crunchy base for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, solid crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances the other flavors.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake bars.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Almond Extract: Adds a distinctive nutty and aromatic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.

• Fresh Cherries: Brings a burst of fruity freshness and vibrant color to the dessert.
• Sliced Almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and complements the almond extract flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates a sweet, smooth drizzle that adds a final touch of sweetness to the cheesecake bars.

Tools That Make Cheesecake Bars a Breeze

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for creating and baking the cheesecake bars evenly.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Medium-sized mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the graham cracker crust.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for blending cream cheese filling smoothly.
• Spatula: Great for spreading filling evenly and scraping bowl sides.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing glaze and ensuring no lumps.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and ingredients to creamy consistency.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for cutting bars into neat squares after cooling.
• Small bowl: Handy for preparing the glaze.

How to Make Creamy Cherry Almond Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Mix everything until it feels like damp sand.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract.

Beat until the mixture looks perfectly combined and glossy.

Step 4: Layer the Filling

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure every corner is covered.

Step 5: Decorate with Fruity Touches

Scatter fresh cherries across the top of the filling.

Sprinkle sliced almonds for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheesecake looks set and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Take the pan out of the oven.

Let the cheesecake bars cool completely in the pan.

This helps the layers settle and makes cutting easier.

Step 8: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth, silky glaze.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the bars.

Slice into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Top Tips for a Dreamy Cheesecake Bar Texture

• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and perfect texture.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cheesecake at 30 minutes; it should still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
• Distribute fresh cherries evenly and gently press them slightly into the filling to prevent them from floating on top during baking.
• Toast sliced almonds briefly in a dry skillet to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bars.
• Use a hot, clean knife wiped between cuts to create neat, precise squares without pulling the cheesecake layer.

Fun Bar Variations to Try at Home

• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free cherry preserves as a topping alternative.
• Berry Medley Almond Cheesecake Bars: Replace fresh cherries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a colorful and diverse fruit variation.

Serving Cheesecake Bars for Any Gathering

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these creamy bars with a fresh cup of coffee or tea for a delightful mid-morning treat that elevates your breakfast experience.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative serving tray with fresh mint leaves and additional whole cherries for a stunning visual presentation that impresses guests.
• Summer Party Delight: Serve chilled at outdoor gatherings, picnics, or potlucks as a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will adore.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich cheesecake flavor with a crisp white moscato or sweet riesling that enhances the cherry and almond notes.

Storing Cherry Almond Bars

• Seal cheesecake bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure complete wrapping to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, gentle thawing. This method helps maintain the original creamy consistency and prevents moisture loss.
• Warm refrigerated bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm texture, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking to avoid overheating.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding to the cheesecake bars to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

The cheesecake layer should look set and slightly firm, with golden brown edges. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, as it will continue to set while cooling.

• Is almond extract necessary for this recipe?

While almond extract adds a wonderful flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer a more classic cheesecake taste. The vanilla extract will still provide good flavor.

Creamy Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky cherry almond cheesecake bars blend rich cream cheese with sweet cherries and nutty almonds. Dessert enthusiasts will savor these elegant bars that offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Creamy Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Crust and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons (2–3 tbsp) milk
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by setting the oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Create a sturdy crust by thoroughly mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form an even base.
3. Craft the creamy filling by beating cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, then incorporating eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until perfectly blended.
4. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate air pockets.
5. Enhance the cheesecake with a generous scattering of fresh cherries across the surface, and optionally sprinkle sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set cheesecake layer and golden-brown edges as indicators of doneness.
7. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely within the pan, which helps stabilize the layers and intensify the flavors.
8. Prepare a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until achieving a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.
9. Once thoroughly cooled, artfully drizzle the glaze over the cheesecake and slice into elegant squares for serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese to create a vegan-friendly adaptation that maintains the creamy texture.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Freeze bars for 30 minutes before cutting to achieve cleaner, more precise slice edges and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg