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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by setting the oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- 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.
- Craft the creamy filling by beating cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, then incorporating eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until perfectly blended.
- Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate air pockets.
- Enhance the cheesecake with a generous scattering of fresh cherries across the surface, and optionally sprinkle sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
- 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.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely within the pan, which helps stabilize the layers and intensify the flavors.
- Prepare a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until achieving a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.
- 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