Why You’ll Love Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re a fan of Black Forest cake but want something simpler to make and easier to serve, these Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are an excellent choice. They blend smooth, tangy cheesecake with chocolate and cherries for a luxurious taste experience. Plus, they require no fancy decorating skills, just straightforward layering and baking. Whether for a party, holiday, or everyday indulgence, these bars satisfy cravings beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed chocolate wafer cookies
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Cream cheese, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Sour cream
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Vanilla extract
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Cocoa powder
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Fresh or canned pitted cherries (drained)
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease or line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
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Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, then press firmly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until the batter is well combined and smooth.
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Gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping if desired.
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Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Sprinkle remaining cherries and chocolate chips on top.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
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Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into bars.
Servings and Timing
Makes about 16 bars.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Chilling time: Minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight
Variations
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Use maraschino cherries instead of fresh or canned for a sweeter flavor.
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Add a layer of cherry pie filling between the crust and cheesecake layer for extra fruitiness.
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Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate before serving.
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Swap cocoa powder for melted dark chocolate for a richer chocolate flavor.
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Use a graham cracker crust for a lighter base instead of chocolate cookie crumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of their creamy texture, reheating is not recommended. For best taste, allow bars to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the bars.
Do I need to use sour cream?
Sour cream adds moisture and tanginess, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt if preferred.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chocolate cookies or wafer crumbs for the crust.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake bars?
Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake; slight jiggle in the center is ideal.
Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, but consider reducing added sugar slightly as pie filling is sweetened.
What pan size is best?
An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan works well for this recipe.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I make the bars more chocolatey?
Add extra chocolate chips or use melted chocolate in the batter.
Can I add nuts?
Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added texture.
Should I remove the bars from the pan before refrigerating?
It’s best to leave them in the pan and refrigerate to keep their shape; remove and cut when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a luscious, rich dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of chocolate, cherries, and creamy cheesecake. Easy to prepare and irresistible to eat, they’re a perfect way to enjoy a classic flavor combination in a convenient bar form. Whether for celebrations or everyday treats, these bars are sure to impress.
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in rich and decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Bars featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping. This no-fuss dessert combines the classic flavors of Black Forest cake in an easy-to-serve bar form—perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you crave a chocolate-cherry cheesecake treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the cherry topping:
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur (Kirsch) or cherry juice for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, spreading gently. Optionally drizzle cherry liqueur or cherry juice over the top for added flavor.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter.
- For a richer cherry flavor, use homemade cherry topping with fresh cherries and Kirsch.
- Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
