No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars. They’re cool, creamy, and set up perfectly in the refrigerator—no oven required.
Ingredients
For the crust:
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
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16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, but excellent with cherry)
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1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
For the topping:
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1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
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Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice stirred into the filling to brighten it
Instructions
1. Make the crust
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer while you make the filling.
2. Whip the cream
In a cold bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. Make the cheesecake filling
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until combined and fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture by hand, using a spatula, until no white streaks remain. Be patient and fold gently to keep the mixture airy.
4. Assemble
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top. Pour the cherry pie filling over the top and spread gently to the edges.
5. Chill
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. The bars must be fully set to slice cleanly.
6. Slice and serve
Use the parchment overhang to lift the whole block onto a cutting board. Wipe a sharp knife clean between each cut for neat slices. Serve cold.
Tips:
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For clean slices: Pop the whole pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
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Switching fruit: This works beautifully with blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling.
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No graham crackers? Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies all make great crusts.
Let me know if you need a smaller batch size or want a chocolate version. 😊