Tart Cherry Cheesecake Crumb Bars

Tart Cherry Cheesecake Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery shortbread-like crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling and a tart cherry topping, all finished with a crispy almond crumb layer. Perfect for any occasion—be it parties, picnics, or an indulgent after-dinner treat—these bars are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also store well, making them a great option for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. With their balance of sweet and tart flavors, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Total Time55 mins

Course: Desserts Cuisine: American Keyword: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Try serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. Fresh tart cherries enhance flavor but frozen can be used if needed. Servings: About 12 servings Calories: 280kcal Author: Tisha

Ingredients

4 cups tart cherries (fresh or frozen)
12 oz cream cheese
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter
1 large egg
Granulated sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix tart cherries with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, almond extract, and salt.
For the crust and crumb topping, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix in cubed butter until crumbly. Press most of this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese with confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add egg and mix well.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust; top with cherry filling and reserved crumb mix.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

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