Creamy Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Creamy Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather occasions. With a crisp graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake center, and a vibrant swirl of cherry pie filling, these bars are a sweet tooth’s delight.

They’re a breeze to whip up and ideal for potlucks, cookouts, or just a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. If you’re in the mood for an easier dessert without the slicing, try a No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake or for a chocolate fix, a No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake might hit the spot.

The Perfect Cheesecake Bar for Any Occasion

These bars are guaranteed to impress at gatherings and vanish quickly from dessert tables. They’re elegant enough for a special event, yet simple enough for a casual weeknight. Best of all, you get that rich, velvety cheesecake experience without the fuss of a springform pan.

Ingredients Overview:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Store-bought or made at home by pulsing graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
• Dairy: Melted butter for the crust, softened cream cheese, and sour cream for the filling.
• Flavor and Sweetness: A touch of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla (white or regular vanilla extract).
• Topping: Cherry pie filling (or try using homemade strawberry jam for a twist).
• Stability: A room-temperature egg and a bit of flour help the bars hold their shape when sliced.

How to Make Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars:

1. Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon and melted butter. Press into a parchment-lined baking dish and bake until set. Let cool.
2. Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, sugar, vanilla, egg, and flour. Mix until the batter is creamy and lump-free.
3. Layer: Spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spoon cherry pie filling over the top and gently swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
4. Bake: Bake until the filling is set. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for several hours before slicing.

Helpful Tips:

• Always use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in your batter.
• Swirl the cherry topping gently to create a marbled look without blending it too much into the cheesecake layer.
• Line the pan with extra parchment paper on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out after chilling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage—just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Crust Variations:

Prefer something different than graham crackers? You can switch it up with a shortbread base, crushed chocolate cookies, or even vanilla wafers for a unique twist.