Irresistible Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Dive into a decadent world where rich chocolate and luscious cherries collide in these irresistible black forest cheesecake bars.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the indulgent layers of creamy cheesecake infused with classic black forest flavor combinations.

Velvety smooth cream cheese meets intense dark chocolate in a dessert that promises pure bliss.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy cheesecake and sweet cherry goodness.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the silky filling.

Elegant yet simple, these bars bring a touch of bakery-style sophistication to your kitchen.

Grab your apron and get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)

Calories: 412 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Oreo Cookies: Provides a rich, chocolatey base with a crumbly texture that complements the creamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the cookie crumbs together, creating a sturdy and flavorful foundation for the cheesecake bars.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, velvety base of the cheesecake with a tangy, rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives a deep, dark color to the cheesecake.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the filling and prevents cracking during baking.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a creamy, soft texture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic background flavor.
• Chocolate: Brings a deep, luxurious chocolate taste to the cheesecake.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cheesecake.

• Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light, airy topping with a rich texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the whipped cream.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color.
• Chocolate Shavings: Adds a decorative and flavorful garnish to the cheesecake bars.

Tools to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese, mixing ingredients smoothly, and whipping cream.
• Large Heat-Safe Bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate over simmering water.
• 9×13-inch Cake Pan: Key for baking and setting the cheesecake bars.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal of bars.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cheesecake cool evenly after baking.
• Stainless Steel Bowl: Great for whipping cream.
• Piping Bag and Star Tip (optional): Helpful for decorative whipped cream edges.
• Knife: Used for cutting and loosening cheesecake edges.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient quantities.

Step-by-Step Black Forest Cheesecake Bar Instructions

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Crust Foundation

Create a buttery base using crushed Oreo cookies pressed firmly into a lined baking pan. Briefly bake to set the foundation for a decadent dessert.

• Chocolate Cheesecake Layer

Craft a rich chocolate cheesecake mixture by blending cream cheese with deep cocoa notes. Melt chocolate carefully and incorporate smoothly into the creamy mixture. Gently fold in eggs to maintain a silky texture.

• Baking Process

Bake the cheesecake until edges are set with a gentle center wiggle. Allow the dessert to cool completely, creating a smooth and perfect consistency.

• Chilled Relaxation

Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up beautifully.

• Dreamy Topping

Whip fresh cream into soft, billowy peaks. Adorn the chilled cheesecake with luscious whipped cream and vibrant cherry filling.

• Chocolate Finale

Sprinkle delicate chocolate shavings across the top, adding a luxurious finishing touch that elevates the entire dessert experience.

• Serving Suggestion

Slice into elegant bars, revealing layers of chocolate, cream, and cherry that promise a delightful sensory journey with each bite.

Tips for Rich Black Forest Cheesecake Flavor

• Replace standard Oreos with chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies for a subtle flavor twist.
• Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preferred richness and sweetness level.
• Ensure cream cheese is room temperature before mixing to achieve smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Substitute canned cherry pie filling with fresh cherries, homemade cherry compote, or jarred Morello cherries for authentic Black Forest flavor.
• Prepare cheesecake bars up to 3 days in advance and store covered in refrigerator, adding whipped cream and cherries just before serving to maintain freshness.

Serving Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Neatly

• Chocolate Cherry Romance: Top each bar with a luxurious swirl of whipped cream and a glossy cherry, creating a decadent dessert that looks like it's straight from a gourmet bakery.
• Brunch Elegance: Serve these bars on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of cocoa powder, perfect for impressing guests at a weekend gathering or special brunch.
• Midnight Indulgence: Pair the cheesecake bars with a rich espresso or a glass of dessert wine, transforming a simple treat into a sophisticated late-night dessert experience that feels utterly indulgent.
• Party Presentation: Create a stunning dessert board by arranging the bars with fresh cherries, chocolate curls, and additional whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their sweet treat with elegant toppings.

Best Way to Store Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerator Revival: Store these delectable bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them neatly stacked with small parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. These chocolate delights can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing their incredible texture and flavor.
• Temperature Transition: Always remove cheesecake bars from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming helps soften the texture and enhances the rich chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Moisture Management: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture. This trick helps maintain the crust's crispness and prevents soggy bottoms during storage.

Sinful Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Black forest cheesecake bars combine rich chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy cheesecake in a delightful German-inspired dessert. Chocolate cookie crust and whipped cream complete this indulgent sweet treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) Oreo crumbs (about 36 Oreos)
• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 0.75 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, room temperature
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, room temperature
• 0.25 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 (18 ounces/510 grams) can cherry pie filling
• 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or 3 tbsps all-purpose flour)
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
• 6 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Pulverize Oreo cookies with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a foil-lined pan, then toast in a 350°F oven until set and golden.
2. Chocolate Preparation: Melt chocolate using a double boiler, allowing it to cool while maintaining a glossy consistency.
3. Filling Fusion: Whip cream cheese until velvety, blending in sugars, cocoa powder, and cornstarch to create a rich base, then seamlessly incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla.
4. Chocolate Integration: Stream cooled melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, gently fold in eggs with minimal mixing to preserve silky texture.
5. Baking Brilliance: Pour the chocolate-infused batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly, and bake at 325°F for 45-50 minutes until edges firm and center slightly wobbles.
6. Cooling and Setting: Allow cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set and intensify flavors.
7. Finishing Touch: Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, slice chilled cheesecake into bars, and garnish with whipped cream, cherry pie filling, and chocolate shavings.

Notes

• Strategic Cookie Crushing: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a compact, stable crust that won’t crumble when slicing.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Cool melted chocolate to room temperature before adding to prevent scrambling the cream cheese mixture and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Egg Incorporation Technique: Gently fold eggs into the batter with minimal mixing to maintain the cheesecake’s luxurious, creamy consistency and prevent potential cracking.
• Chilling Critical: Refrigerate bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect set, ensuring clean, precise cuts and optimal taste development.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 412
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 263 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg