Description
These Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy almond-infused cheesecake layer, topped with fresh cherries and optional crunchy sliced almonds. Finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze, these bars offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors in a convenient, cuttable form that’s ideal for gatherings or dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleaning.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Prepare the Creamy Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, then beat again until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Spread gently with a spatula, then sprinkle the halved fresh cherries on top. Optionally, add sliced almonds for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Cool Down: Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is important to set the layers properly.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
- Finish and Serve: Once cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve these creamy, flavorful cherry almond cheesecake bars to enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use softened cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake mixture.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Fresh cherries provide the best texture and flavor, but frozen cherries can be used if thawed and drained well.
- Chilling the bars after baking can improve slicing and enhance flavor melding.
- The sliced almonds are optional but add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
