Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Recipe By: Calphalon Team  -  Originally Published: 7/27/2011

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Who doesn't love the lightness of cream cheese and cherry filling! Here's a step-by-step recipe which combines simple and fresh ingredients to create irresistibly  inviting dessert bars. They'll even store in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days… that is, if they last that long!

  • Servings: Makes 24 - 30 pieces
  • Prep Time: Less than 30 Minutes
  • Cook Time: Less than 60 Minutes
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Course: Dessert

Ingredients

Crust
3-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
14 Tbsp. butter, melted

Filling
5 8-oz. packages plain cream cheese
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, strained
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs

Topping
1-1/2 cups canned cherry pie filling

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Butter the bottom of a 12" x 17" baking sheet.

Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking sheet. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and set aside.

Filling
*Place cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
*Scrape the inside surface of the bowl and mix for another minute until the cream cheese is smooth.
*Add the sugar and mix for 1 minute or until smooth. Scrape the inside surface of the bowl and mix for 30 seconds.
*Add the flour and mix until combined.
*Add the lemon juice and vanilla and mix well.
*Add the eggs and mix on low speed just until they are incorporated.
*Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crumb crust.
*Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
*Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire cooling rack.
*Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
*Spoon the cherry filling over the cream cheese layer and cut into individual bars.
*Serve.

Cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.

Recipe is included with our Kitchen Essentials from Calphalon 2-Piece Bakeware Set.