🍒 Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Dreamy, and Irresistibly Easy!
If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and utterly beautiful to look at, these Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars are pure dessert perfection. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky smooth cheesecake layer, and ribbons of luscious cherry swirls baked right in — every bite is a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and sweet. ❤️
This recipe is a showstopper for any occasion — whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, planning a family get-together, or simply treating yourself to something special. They slice beautifully, store well, and taste even better the next day.
🧈 Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs (or tea biscuit/digestive crumbs)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of fine salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream or heavy cream
For the Swirl:
- 1/2 cup (120g) cherry pie filling or cherry preserves
🍒 Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. - Make the Crust:
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until it resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your pan, using the back of a spoon to compact it well.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly while you prepare the filling. - Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add sugar and mix until fully combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream (or heavy cream) for extra richness.
Pour this velvety batter over the cooled crust and smooth it out evenly. - Add the Cherry Swirl:
Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter — just enough to create a marbled look. Don’t overmix; you want beautiful streaks of red! - Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 30 minutes to prevent cracking. - Chill & Slice:
Transfer to the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment, cut into squares, and serve chilled.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake Bars
- Room temperature ingredients make the batter smooth and lump-free.
- Don’t overbake — a slightly jiggly center means creamy perfection once cooled.
- For a twist, try blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry swirl instead of cherry!
🍰 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Simple ingredients, no fancy tools needed
✔️ Perfectly portioned bars for sharing
✔️ Freezer-friendly — great make-ahead dessert
✔️ Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort
These Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars are proof that you don’t need a springform pan or hours in the kitchen to make something that looks and tastes bakery-quality. One bite and you’ll be hooked — creamy, fruity, and downright irresistible. 💕
📦 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner, Valentine’s dessert, or just a craving for something homemade and sweet, these Cherry Swirl Cheesecake Bars never disappoint. They’re elegant, simple, and absolutely delicious — the kind of dessert that earns you compliments every single time.