Description
These Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a rich, creamy cheesecake layer sitting atop a buttery sugar cookie crust. Topped with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling and toasted sliced almonds, these bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. With easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 8.5 ounces sugar cookie mix
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Topping:
- ½ can cherry pie filling
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- repare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the cookie mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared cookie crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Add the Topping:
- Once chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the cherries for an added crunch and flavor.
- Serve:
- Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch!
Notes
- If you prefer a different topping, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings, like blueberry or raspberry.
- For a deeper almond flavor, try adding almond extract to the cheesecake layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesecake Bars, Cherry Cheesecake, Almond Bars, Sugar Cookie Crust, Easy Cheesecake, Fruit Topped Cheesecake Bars