These Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are a delectable dessert combining creamy cheesecake, a crunchy graham cracker crust, sweet cherry pie filling, and a sprinkle of pistachios. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
Directions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
- Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden at the edges.
- Cool and Top: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, top with cherry pie filling and chopped pistachios.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars to allow the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and chilling)
- Servings: 12 bars
Variations
- Add More Nuts: You can add chopped almonds or walnuts along with pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
- Fresh Cherries: Swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh cherries, lightly sweetened and cooked down to create a homemade topping.
- Flavored Crust: Experiment with flavored crusts by adding a bit of cinnamon or chocolate to the graham cracker mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
10 FAQs
- Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead. Just make sure to refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use a different topping instead of cherry pie filling? Absolutely! You can top them with fresh berries, blueberry pie filling, or even chocolate ganache for a different flavor.
- What can I use instead of sour cream? Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar creamy texture.
- Can I use a different nut for the topping? Yes, feel free to use any nut you prefer, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- Do I have to use parchment paper in the baking dish? While parchment paper helps with easy removal, you can grease the dish instead if you prefer.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust to make these cheesecake bars gluten-free.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different.
- How long do I need to refrigerate before serving? Chill the bars for at least 3 hours to ensure they set properly and are easier to slice.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake bars? Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- What other flavors can I add to the cheesecake filling? You can add a bit of lemon zest, almond extract, or even a swirl of caramel for additional flavor options.
Conclusion
These Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, making them a great dessert for any occasion. With a graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake layer, and delicious topping, they offer a unique twist on a classic cheesecake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this easy-to-make treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing!
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Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
These creamy cheesecake bars have a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, smooth cream cheese filling. Topped with sweet cherry pie filling and crunchy pistachios, they’re the ultimate indulgent treat that combines tangy, sweet, and crunchy textures!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, top with cherry pie filling and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add extra pistachios on top after chilling for a more pronounced crunch.
- For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes