Description
A decadent layered bar with a buttery shortbread crust, rich cream cheese filling, and sweet-tart cherry topping. Perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings!
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Make crust: Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add butter until crumbs form. Press into pan. Bake 15 mins until golden.
- Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over warm crust.
- Add topping: Mix cherry pie filling with lemon juice. Spoon over cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with almonds if using.
- Bake 35-40 minutes until edges are set but center slightly jiggles.
- 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
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg