Sweet Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe: A Divine Treat

Crafting a decadent cherry pistachio cheesecake bars recipe promises a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.

Creamy layers blend unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight the palate.

Soft cream cheese mingles with vibrant cherries and crunchy pistachios, creating a sensational treat.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty notes.

Rich textures contrast beautifully, making these bars a standout dessert for any occasion.

Memories of indulgent moments will dance across your taste buds with every single slice.

Prepare to experience a dessert that turns an ordinary evening into something truly extraordinary.

Cherry Cheesecake Bar Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the rich, creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a fruity, sweet-tart layer and creates a beautiful marbled effect.
• Pistachios: Provide a nutty crunch and visual interest to the cheesecake bars.

Steps For Pistachio Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F (165C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a parchment paper hug, making sure it covers the bottom and sides.

Step 2: Create The Crumbly Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Smoosh the mixture into the pan, creating a solid and delicious foundation for your cheesecake bars.

Step 3: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they’re silky smooth.

Splash in vanilla extract and mix it up.

Add eggs one at a time, giving each a good beating.

Fold in sour cream until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 4: Layer And Decorate

Pour the dreamy cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.

Dot the top with cherry pie filling, then use a knife to create beautiful swirls.

Sprinkle chopped pistachios across the surface for a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a set cheesecake with golden edges that whisper “I’m delicious!”

Step 6: Chill And Slice

Let the bars cool down to room temperature.

Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

When they’re nice and firm, slice into squares and enjoy your heavenly creation.

Tips For Creamy Cheesecake Bars

• Use crushed digestive biscuits or gluten-free cookies for a different base texture and flavor profile.
• Create gentle marble patterns by adding cherry filling in small dollops and using a toothpick for delicate swirling techniques.
• Bake cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of water on the bottom rack to maintain moisture and prevent surface cracks.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling consistency.
• Wipe knife with hot water between cuts to achieve crisp, clean edges when serving the cheesecake bars.

Fun Bar Variations

• Nutty Berry Bliss: Replace cherry pie filling with mixed berry compote for a tangy, colorful variation.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Creamy Dream: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut condensed milk, and flax eggs to create a plant-based alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Indulgence: Substitute graham cracker crust with crushed pecans and almond flour, and use monk sweetener instead of sugar for a keto-friendly option.

Serving Cherry Pistachio Bars

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange these dreamy bars on a decorative wooden board with fresh cherries and whole pistachios scattered around for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Cozy Café Style: Dust the bars with powdered sugar and serve alongside a steaming cappuccino or strong espresso for a sophisticated café-inspired treat.
• Rustic Dessert Bar: Create a self-serve dessert station with these bars, offering small toppings like whipped cream, extra chopped pistachios, and fresh cherry compote so guests can personalize their slice.
• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack these bars in individual parchment paper wrappings for a portable, mess-free dessert perfect for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues.

Storing Cheesecake Bars

• Store cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.
• Keep at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always return to the refrigerator after serving.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen cherries, mix with a little sugar, and use as a replacement for pie filling.

• How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven after baking.

• What if I don't have graham crackers for the crust?

You can substitute with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or crushed shortbread cookies for the crust base.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the crust to create a gluten-free version of the cheesecake bars.

Cherry Pistachio Bar Highlights

• Whip Up Delightful Dessert: Incredibly simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a stunning, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any gathering.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping cherry pie filling with other fruit preserves or toppings, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Elevate Ordinary Moments: Impressive dessert bars that look professionally made but require minimal baking skills, creating a gourmet experience at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Combines creamy cheesecake base with crunchy pistachio topping and sweet cherry swirls, delivering a multi-dimensional flavor and texture experience.

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry pistachio cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with nutty crunch, offering a delightful dessert experience. Sweet-tart cherries and crunchy pistachios create a perfect harmony you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pistachios

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (melted)

Flavoring Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Create the crust by thoroughly mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form a compact, even layer.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then incorporate vanilla extract and blend smoothly.
4. Gradually introduce eggs into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform texture and prevent curdling.
5. Fold in sour cream, stirring gently until completely integrated and the filling appears creamy and homogeneous.
6. Transfer the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
7. Strategically distribute cherry pie filling across the cheesecake layer, using a knife to create elegant marbled swirls throughout the surface.
8. Generously scatter chopped pistachios over the top, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor and crunch.
9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden and the center appears set but slightly jiggly.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking and ensures proper texture.
11. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to firm up and develop optimal flavor, then slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Softening Cream Cheese Ensures a smooth, lump-free filling by letting cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing.
• Swirling Technique Use a toothpick or thin knife to create delicate marbled patterns with cherry filling, avoiding over-mixing for a beautiful visual effect.
• Nut Alternatives Swap pistachios with almonds or pecans for different flavor profiles or to accommodate nut allergies.
• Gluten-Free Option Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 329 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg