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Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake, sweet-tart cherries, and crunchy pistachios in a classic graham cracker crust. This dessert offers a perfect balance of fruity flavor and nutty texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, divided

Cherry Layer

  • 1 cup cherry preserves or 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

Toppings (optional)

  • Additional chopped pistachios
  • Whole pistachios
  • Fresh cherries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted dark or white chocolate for drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Start by finely crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter and sugar. Press this mixture evenly into a greased baking pan to form a firm base. Chill for 10-15 minutes to set while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, continuing to blend until silky. Fold in half of the chopped pistachios to distribute the nutty flavor evenly throughout the filling.
  3. Add the Cherry Layer: Spread a generous layer of cherry preserves or a mixture of fresh cherries over the chilled crust. Then, carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cherry layer, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even top.
  4. Top with Pistachios and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining chopped pistachios over the cheesecake layer to add crunch and color. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when shaken.
  5. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set fully and enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
  • Don’t overbake; slight jiggling in the center ensures moist texture without cracking.
  • Chill thoroughly to let flavors meld and to slice the bars cleanly.
  • Use fresh cherries for a bright, fresh flavor or cherry preserves for a sweeter, deeper taste.
  • Lightly toast pistachios to intensify flavor and add fragrant crunch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: cherry pistachio cheesecake bars, cherry cheesecake bars, pistachio dessert bars, easy cheesecake bars, fruit and nut bars

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