Cherry Cheese Bars
Cherry Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with tangy cherry preserves and a creamy cheese layer. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, their balance of fruity and creamy flavors appeals to a wide range of dessert lovers seeking a simple yet indulgent dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 eggs and beat well.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups plus 2 to 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and salt until well blended.
- Reserve 1 cup of the mixture by spooning it lightly into a measuring cup; set aside.
- Press the remaining crust mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use high-quality cherry preserves. If you prefer a different fruit, raspberry or apricot preserves can be great substitutions. Ensure your butter is softened for easy creaming, and consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth. If you want a thicker crust, increase the flour by a tablespoon or two. Remember to check your oven temperature for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Cheese Bars chilled for the best texture. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an added touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. They make a delightful dessert alongside a cup of coffee or tea, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat after a meal. Browse more American recipes for more dessert ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge. These bars can also be frozen for up to three months; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cheese Bars contains roughly 379 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?
While fresh cherries can be used, they require additional cooking to create a filling. To substitute, cook pitted and chopped fresh cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened, then cool before spreading over the crust.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that they will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these Cherry Cheese Bars gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).