Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect flavor balance – The combination of pistachios, cherries, and creamy cheesecake creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Easy to make – Unlike traditional cheesecakes, these bars come together quickly with simple steps.
Great for any occasion – Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Make-ahead friendly – These bars taste even better after chilling, making them an excellent dessert to prepare in advance.
Customizable – Easily switch up the crust, filling, or topping to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

Pistachios, finely ground
Graham cracker crumbs
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Sour cream

For the Cherry Topping:

Fresh or canned cherries, pitted
Sugar
Cornstarch
Lemon juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust – In a bowl, mix ground pistachios, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
Prepare the cheesecake filling – In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream.
Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Make the cherry topping – In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften. Let it cool completely.
Assemble the bars – Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the cherry topping evenly over the top.
Slice and serve – Cut into bars and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours

Variations

Nut-Free Option – Swap pistachios for more graham cracker crumbs in the crust.
Different Fruit Topping – Try blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries instead of cherries.
Chocolate Twist – Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving Tip: Enjoy straight from the fridge for the best texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will set as it cools.

Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Yes! Just cook them a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Absolutely! They taste even better the next day after chilling overnight.

What if I don’t have pistachios?

You can use almonds, pecans, or just more graham cracker crumbs.

How do I cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for neat bars.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes! Try an Oreo crust or a shortbread crust for a twist.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just fine for the cheesecake filling.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Overmixing or baking too long can cause cracks. Baking in a water bath can help prevent this.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, a granulated sugar alternative like monk fruit or erythritol can be used.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and plant-based butter.

Conclusion

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. With their nutty crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet cherry topping, they’re sure to become a favorite. Make them for a special occasion or just because – either way, they’re a treat worth savoring!

Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

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Indulge in these Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert featuring a creamy pistachio-infused cheesecake filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a luscious cherry topping. These easy-to-make bars offer the perfect balance of nutty crunch and fruity sweetness, making them a show-stopping treat for any occasion!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream. Stir in the pistachio pudding mix and chopped pistachios until well combined.
Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Add the Cherry Topping: Spread the cherry pie filling over the chilled cheesecake layer.
Slice and Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top before serving.
Let the cheesecake bars chill overnight for the best texture.
Use fresh cherries instead of canned filling for a homemade touch.