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Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 392 reviews
  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

Delight in these Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars, a luscious blend of creamy cheesecake swirled with sweet cherry preserves atop a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with crunchy pistachios and fresh cherries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a decadent dessert or a treat to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Filling

  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cherry preserves
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Garnish

  • Fresh cherries
  • Whole pistachios

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid crust.
  3. Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Assemble layers: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Spoon dollops of cherry preserves over the cheesecake layer then use a knife to gently swirl the preserves throughout for a marbled effect.
  5. Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly on top of the swirled cheesecake layer, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid over-baking to keep the texture creamy.
  7. Cool down: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours to set properly and enhance flavors before cutting into bars.
  9. Serve and garnish: Cut into bars and garnish with fresh cherries and whole pistachios just before serving for a beautiful, fresh presentation.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter without lumps.
  • For best results, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing to get clean cuts.
  • Feel free to substitute cherry preserves with raspberry or strawberry preserves for different fruit flavors.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Allow the bars to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesecake bars, cherry pistachio dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, cherry swirl, easy baked cheesecake, no crust cracking

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Find it online: https://yummybylina.com/heavenly-cherry-pistachio-cheesecake-bars-recipe/