Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic German dessert, combining rich chocolate cheesecake and sweet cherry topping. These bars are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or just a well-deserved indulgence after a long day. The layers of creamy cheesecake, chocolate, and cherries create a luxurious dessert experience that is hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars offer several reasons to fall in love with them. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels. The chocolate cookie crust adds a delightful crunch, complementing the creamy filling beautifully. You will also appreciate the vibrant cherry topping, which provides a burst of flavor and color. Plus, with their rich and creamy texture, these bars are sure to impress your guests. They fit perfectly into any dessert category, especially as Black Forest Dessert Bars or Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars. Lastly, they can be made ahead of time, perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients for Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Gather these items:

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo or chocolate graham crackers)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Chocolate shavings (optional)

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Beat until well combined.
Step 6: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 8: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 10: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 11: Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and set.
Step 12: Once chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
Step 13: If desired, garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
Step 14: Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Keep these in mind:

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the eggs to maintain a creamy texture.
Consider using a water bath for baking to help prevent cracks.
For added flavor, try adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the filling.

Best Ways to Serve Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess, or pair them with fresh berries for a fruity contrast. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making them an impressive dessert choice for gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

To maintain their freshness, store your cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months, making them a great option for meal prep. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Black Forest Cheesecake Bars?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially the cream cheese and chocolate. Be sure to incorporate them gently to avoid overmixing, ensuring a rich and fluffy texture in each bite.

Can I make Black Forest Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Black Forest Cheesecake Bars?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, and don’t skip the cooling steps. These tips will help you achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.

Variations of Black Forest Cheesecake Bars You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can create a No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake version by using a no-bake cheesecake filling. Alternatively, try adding layers of dark chocolate ganache for a truly decadent experience. Another option is to use homemade cherry sauce instead of canned pie filling for a fresher taste.

For more dessert inspiration, check out this Christmas Black Forest Trifle or Nutella Cheesecake Bars. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Black Forest cake, you can read about it here.

Decadent Black Forest Cheesecake Bars You Need to Try

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars A Decadent Dessert

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Beat until well combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and set.
Once chilled, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
If desired, garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into bars. Serve chilled and enjoy!