Description
Delight in these easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars that combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese filling and a luscious cherry topping. Perfect for warm days or when you want a quick, delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
Filling
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
Topping
- 1 (21-oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine the melted butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly mixed and the crumbs are coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch square baking pan to create an even crust layer.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the almond extract and mix well. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until fully incorporated and the filling is light and fluffy.
- Assemble and chill: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Cover the pan and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight, allowing the filling to set firmly.
- Add cherry topping and serve: Once the filling is chilled and set, carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it to cover the surface evenly. Return the bars to the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve. Cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow the bars to set completely.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry for variety.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps.
- Use a spatula to spread fillings gently to keep layers neat.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
