Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

If you love the rich, decadent flavors of chocolate and cherries, these Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are your next must-bake treat. They combine a fudgy chocolate cookie crust, a silky vanilla cheesecake layer, and a topping of sweet cherry pie filling for a dessert that’s both beautiful and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet weekend indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates an irresistible taste that pleases any dessert lover.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars can be whipped up without fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as is, or add toppings like whipped cream or dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday celebration, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
• Make Ahead: These cheesecake bars can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking Black Forest Cheesecake Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A square baking pan helps achieve even cooking and makes cutting the bars easy.
• Electric Mixer: This tool saves time when beating the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients together without deflating the mixture.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, without filling)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream (for a creamy texture)
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• Optional: dark chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
• Optional: whipped cream for serving

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides so you can lift out the bars easily once they cool.

Step 3: Make the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
2. Mix until all crumbs are moistened.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Gradually add in granulated sugar while continuing to mix.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in your baking pan.
2. Smooth out the top with a rubber spatula.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Top

Once baked, let the cheesecake bars cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, top with cherry pie filling before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are now ready to serve! Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dessert experience.

Classic Presentation

• Plain Slices: Serve the cheesecake bars as they are for an elegant look.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.

Enhanced Flavors

• Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate curls on top to add a touch of richness.
• Cherries on Top: Place whole cherries from the cherry pie filling on each bar for a pop of color and flavor.

Festive Touches

• Mint Leaves Garnish: Add fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast.
• Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the bars for added sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

To ensure your Black Forest Cheesecake Bars come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Crust: Use finely crushed chocolate cookies to create a firm base.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cheesecake light and fluffy.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours; this helps set the cheesecake layer.
• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate and cherries will elevate the overall flavor of your dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Pairing your cheesecake bars with the right side dishes can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the bars.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
3. Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse can complement the flavors beautifully without being too heavy.
4. Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup pairs well with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These provide an elegant touch and additional chocolate flavor.
6. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola on top adds crunch and texture, making it fun to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Black Forest Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your cheesecake layer. Always make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your dessert. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
• Skipping the cooling time: Rushing the cooling process can cause cracks in your cheesecake. Allow it to cool completely in the fridge before slicing for best results.
• Overbaking the cheesecake: Overbaking can result in a dry texture. Bake just until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Neglecting to line the baking pan: Not lining your pan can make it difficult to remove the bars later. Use parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting of your Black Forest Cheesecake Bars.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Black Forest Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep them covered with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container.

Freezing Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Freeze individual squares in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat for 15-20 seconds at a time, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm slowly for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cookies instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust?

Yes, while chocolate cookies give the classic flavor, vanilla or graham cracker crumbs can work as a base too. Just adjust sugar levels based on sweetness.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

To minimize cracks, avoid overmixing your batter and ensure even baking by using a water bath or lowering the oven temperature slightly.

Can I make these Black Forest Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well and taste even better after chilling overnight. Just follow storage instructions to keep them fresh.

What toppings go well with Black Forest Cheesecake Bars?

Consider adding whipped cream or dark chocolate shavings as toppings. Fresh cherries also add a lovely touch!

Final Thoughts

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them at parties or enjoy them as an afternoon treat, their rich flavors will impress everyone. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors—get creative!

Print

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Black Forest Cheesecake Bars, a perfect treat for chocolate lovers. These bars feature a decadent chocolate cookie crust, a creamy vanilla cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these easy-to-make dessert bars are sure to impress. With their beautiful presentation and rich flavors, they are versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules.

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar; press into the bottom of the pan.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and sour cream.
5. Pour cheesecake filling over crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
6. Cool completely; top with cherry pie filling and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing. Chill the bars overnight for optimal flavor and texture. Experiment with toppings like whipped cream or dark chocolate shavings.