Description

These No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves rich, creamy cheesecake but doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of baking. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping, this dessert is easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or just want a simple dessert to enjoy at home, these cheesecake bars are a must-try!

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole graham crackers)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. This should take about 30 seconds in the microwave.
Combine Crust Ingredients: Add the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar to the melted butter, stirring until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Press the Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Make sure to spread the crust evenly and press it down tightly. Once done, set the dish aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid any clumps in the filling.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip, mixing just until the cream cheese and Cool Whip are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
Add the Cherry Topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly across the surface of the filling. Be gentle to ensure the cherry topping stays on top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake Bars
Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours before serving. For the best results, allow the dessert to chill overnight. This helps the filling firm up and allows the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tips:
Customize the Topping: While cherry pie filling is a classic choice, feel free to switch it up with blueberry, strawberry, or even peach pie filling. You can also add fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor.

Make-Ahead Dessert: These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare them the night before and let them chill overnight for a stress-free dessert the next day.

Use Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer, you can swap the Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream by beating 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.

Graham Cracker Substitutes: If you want to try something different, you can substitute graham crackers with crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or shortbread for a unique crust flavor.

Conclusion:
These No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate quick and easy dessert for any occasion. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, the rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet cherry topping makes this a treat that everyone will love. Plus, with no baking required, this recipe is perfect for when you want something delicious but don't want to heat up the kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this cool and creamy dessert, and make it your go-to for effortless, impressive treats!