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cherry cheesecake bars easy dessert for a crowd
Stephanie Longstreth's avatarStephanie Longstreth

Simple Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and loaded with cherry pie filling on top — these bars hit ALL the notes! Easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Graham Cracker Crust:
  • 2 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 stick butter melted
Cheesecake Filling:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 8 oz Cool Whip
Topping:
  • 2 cans cherry pie filling or any pie filling of your choice

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

Method
 

Graham Cracker Crust:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter together in a 9x13 pan.
  3. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  4. Bake for 5-8 minutes until set. Allow to cool completely before adding filling.
Cheesecake Filling:
  1. In a large mixing bowl combine powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and Cool Whip.
  2. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  3. Place in the fridge until crust has completely cooled.
Assembly:
  1. Once crust has cooled completely, spread cheesecake mixture gently and evenly across the crust.
  2. Top with cherry pie filling — I used 2 cans to make sure everyone gets enough cherries!
  3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

The graham cracker crushing step is highly therapeutic — feel free to be aggressive. You're welcome. 😄 Any pie filling works beautifully in this recipe — try blueberry, strawberry, peach, or mixed berry for a fun variation. Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling or it will melt. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe makes 16-20 squares depending on how you cut them — perfect for potlucks, holidays, church gatherings, and any time you need to feed a crowd fast!