Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
Delightful cherry pistachio cheesecake bars that combine sweetness, crunch, and creamy goodness for a perfect dessert.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the cherry topping
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined and resembles wet sand. Press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden and set.
Make the filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, and mix well. One by one, beat in the eggs, then the sour cream until creamy.
Bake the cheesecake
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and smooth it out. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set but the center is jiggly.
Add topping and chill
- Let the cheesecake cool for a bit, then spread the cherry pie filling over the top.
- Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
Notes
You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter taste. Use a store-bought graham cracker crust if short on time. Consider mixing in chocolate chips or orange zest for a unique twist.