Indulge in a heavenly delight with our luscious No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars! Melt-in-your-mouth graham cracker crust meets a velvety cream cheese filling, topped with a generous layer of cherry goodness. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this chilled treat is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. 🍒✨
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
Unsalted Butter: 7 tablespoons, melted
Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (from about 9 whole crackers)
Granulated Sugar: 3 tablespoons
For the Filling:
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Cool Whip: 8 ounces (1 container)
Cherry Pie Filling: 21 ounces (1 can)
Instructions:
Preparing the Crust:
Begin by melting the butter in a medium-sized bowl. You can use a microwave, setting it for about 30 seconds or until the butter is completely melted.
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Ensure it’s mixed well.
Transfer this mixture into an 8 x 8 baking dish that has been lightly sprayed or greased. Press down the mixture firmly to create an even base. Keep this aside.
Creating the Filling:
Take a larger bowl and place your softened cream cheese inside. With the help of a mixer, blend until the texture becomes smooth without any lumps.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Blend well.
Introduce the Cool Whip into this mixture. Mix it in just enough so that the Cool Whip integrates with the cream cheese. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently spread this creamy blend over the crust you prepared earlier. You can use either a spoon or an offset spatula for an even spread.
Layering the Cherry Topping:
Tenderly spoon out the cherry pie filling and lay it over the creamy layer. Aim for a uniform spread across the surface.
Chilling the Dessert:
Once assembled, transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator. Let it chill for a minimum of 2 hours. This allows the dessert to set and the flavors to blend.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit topping instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and swap the cherry topping for your favorite fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry blend. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to customize the flavor to suit your taste.
Is there a substitute for Cool Whip in this recipe?
Certainly! If Cool Whip is not available, you can use homemade whipped cream as a delicious alternative. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture for that light and airy texture.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, these cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead. After assembling, let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but you can also prepare them the night before serving. This makes it a convenient and time-saving dessert for gatherings and special occasions.
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