Name: Black Forest Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup sour cream; Pinch of salt; 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

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 a rich taste that will delight your palate.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, making these bars is a breeze.
Versatile Dessert: These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Beautiful Presentation: Topped with cherry pie filling, they look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather your tools before starting. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×9 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Baking Pan: A square pan ensures even cooking and easy slicing for the bars.
Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Hand Mixer: This tool helps achieve a smooth cheesecake batter quickly.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, without filling)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar
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
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 step is crucial for ensuring that your cheesecake bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to make lifting out the cheesecake easier once it’s done.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter.
Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and mix well until combined.
Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40–45 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Once chilled, spread cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake bars. Optionally garnish with dark chocolate shavings or curls and serve with whipped cream if desired.

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the rich cheesecake bars.

Garnished with Dark Chocolate

Top your bars with dark chocolate shavings or curls for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Served Chilled

Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing taste that enhances the flavors.

Accompanied by Fresh Cherries

Fresh cherries on the side provide a sweet and tart complement to the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake.

With Coffee or Tea

Pairing these bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea adds a comforting touch, perfect for any time of day.

How to Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

To achieve the best results when making Black Forest Cheesecake Bars, consider these helpful tips that will guide you through each step.

Use room temperature ingredients – Allow cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature for a smoother, creamier filling.
Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.
Cool gradually – Let the bars cool in the oven with the door ajar before transferring them to the fridge. This helps prevent cracking.
Opt for quality chocolate cookies – Choose high-quality chocolate cookie crumbs for a richer crust flavor.
Chill thoroughly – Make sure to chill the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours before slicing for clean edges and better texture.

Best Side Dishes for Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Complementing your Black Forest Cheesecake Bars with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the bars perfectly.
Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and a burst of flavor that contrasts nicely with chocolate.
Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each bar for added indulgence.
Caramel Sauce – The sweetness of caramel sauce pairs wonderfully with both chocolate and cherries, enhancing every bite.
Nutty Granola – Serve a small bowl of nutty granola on the side for added crunch and texture that complements the soft cheesecake layer.
Espresso Shots – A shot of espresso provides a bold counterpoint to the sweetness of your dessert, making it even more enjoyable.
Berries – Fresh strawberries or raspberries can add a tart element that balances out the rich flavors.
Mint Leaves – Garnishing with fresh mint leaves not only adds color but also provides a refreshing aroma that enhances your dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not using enough butter. Ensure you use the right amount of melted butter for the crust, as this keeps it rich and cohesive.
Another mistake is overmixing the cheesecake batter. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture; overmixing incorporates excess air.
A frequent error is forgetting to preheat the oven. Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking and proper rise.
Many people make the mistake of skipping the sour cream. This ingredient adds creaminess and richness, so don’t omit it!
Avoid using low-fat cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese ensures your cheesecake bars have a rich, creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Black Forest Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Keep them covered to prevent absorbing any odors from other foods.

Freezing Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Reheating Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat with a lid briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Black Forest Cheesecake Bars?
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert combining chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a similar topping.

How long do Black Forest Cheesecake Bars take to prepare?
These bars take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus baking time in the oven.

Can I customize the toppings on my Black Forest Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! You can top them with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even nuts for extra texture.

Are these bars suitable for special occasions?
Yes! These decadent bars are perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as a sweet treat any day of the week.

Final Thoughts

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. With their rich flavors and beautiful presentation, they’re ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors according to your preference!