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Cherry Cream Cheese Bars: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion

Cherry Cream Cheese Bars
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A decadent layered bar with a buttery shortbread crust, rich cream cheese filling, and sweet-tart cherry topping. Perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings!

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 6+ hrs (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • Crust:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Topping:
  • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Make crust: Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add butter until crumbs form. Press into pan. Bake 15 mins until golden.
  3. Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over warm crust.
  4. Add topping: Mix cherry pie filling with lemon juice. Spoon over cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with almonds if using.
  5. Bake 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
  6. Cool completely (2 hours), then chill 4+ hours. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting.

Notes

  • For smoother cutting: Use a hot knife wiped clean between slices
  • Variations: Substitute blueberry or apple pie filling
  • Gluten-free option: Use GF flour blend for crust
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days
  • Make ahead: Freezes well for up to 2 months

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/cherry-cream-cheese-bars/