Description
These Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling swirled with sweet cherry pie filling and topped with crunchy chopped pistachios. Perfect for a delightful dessert or snack, these bars are baked to perfection and chilled for a firm, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Fold in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and use a knife to gently swirl the cherries into the filling, creating a marbled effect. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake bars are set and have a slight golden color around the edges.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- For easier cutting, chill the bars overnight in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
- Swirling the cherry pie filling gently preserves the marbled look without blending it completely.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
