Gloriously creamy, lightly tangy, and bursting with a pop of cherry brightness in every bite, this No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is pure dessert bliss. Each luxuriously smooth bite sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust and is crowned with glossy, ruby-red cherries. The real magic? There’s no need to turn on your oven – these bars are easy enough for a novice yet impressive enough to wow at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want a weeknight treat, this recipe guarantees cheers and repeat requests!

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need to bring the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe to life. Each ingredient is simple, but together create the perfect symphony of flavor, texture, and color. From a crisp crust to a tangy-sweet topping, here’s what makes these bars unforgettable:

Graham cracker crumbs: The base of the crust, offering a nostalgic, buttery crunch that supports every layer.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the graham cracker crumbs and gives the crust rich flavor—make sure it’s completely melted.
Granulated sugar: A small amount adds sweetness and helps the crust set nicely.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the filling; softness ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
Powdered sugar: Blends easily for a sweet, silky filling you can’t resist.
Vanilla extract: A dash brings irresistible warmth and classic cheesecake aroma.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the filling, balancing sweetness with a gentle tang.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed: Folds in fluffiness and keeps the filling feather-light; you can also use homemade whipped cream.
Cherry pie filling: The crowning glory—cherries add shine, color, and a burst of juicy flavor in every bite.

How to Make No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by grabbing your favorite 9×9-inch baking dish and lining it with parchment if you like fuss-free removal. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything resembles wet sand. This mixture is key to that satisfying, sandy base. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of your dish—I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup for this! Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the filling, so it sets just right.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Time to make the dreamy center of your No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Add your powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, then beat again until creamy and uniform. Finally, gently fold in the whipped topping. You want a light and airy texture, so use a spatula and a gentle hand. When finished, spread the filling in an even layer over the chilled crust, smoothing out the top.

Step 3: Spoon on the Cherry Topping

The moment of sparkle! Take your can of cherry pie filling and spoon it evenly over that plush cheesecake layer. Don’t be afraid to let some cherries peek out in every bite. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling time helps all the layers meld together and the bars become perfectly sliceable.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once fully set, slice your No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe into nine generous squares. For those clean, Instagram-worthy edges, wipe your knife between each cut. Serve chilled for the ultimate creamy, cool experience!

How to Serve No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Take your bars over the top with an extra flourish! Sprinkle a dusting of crushed graham crackers or white chocolate curls for contrast and crunch. A swirl of whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf on each piece make for a charming, picture-perfect presentation.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightful on their own, but for a dessert spread, pair them with fresh summer berries or a selection of cookies. A mildly tangy fruit salad or a citrusy sorbet balances the richness and brings a refreshing pop to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe in individual jars for a fun picnic-ready treat, or cut them into bite-sized cubes for a dessert buffet. They also look beautiful when plated with a drizzle of extra cherry syrup or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added drama.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a few bars left? Lucky you! Layer them in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—the crust stays crisp, and the flavors meld even more beautifully overnight.

Freezing

The No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’ll taste just as creamy and fresh as day one.

Reheating

No need for reheating here—these bars are made to be served chill and delicious! If frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Enjoy straight from the fridge for the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Absolutely! If you prefer, whip about 1 cup of heavy cream with a couple tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold it in just like you would the whipped topping for a homemade twist.

What other fruit toppings work for these cheesecake bars?

This recipe is incredibly adaptable—try blueberry, strawberry, or even mixed berry pie filling for a different yet equally scrumptious dessert. You can also use lemon curd or a swirl of caramel for a fun change.

Can I halve or double the recipe?

Yes! Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch in a loaf pan, or double everything for a 9×13-inch pan if you’re serving a crowd. Keep an eye on the chill time; larger pans may need a bit longer.

How can I make the crust gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs in place of regular graham crackers. Everything else in the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Why isn’t my filling setting up firmly?

Be sure you used full-fat cream cheese and thoroughly chilled the bars for at least four hours—overnight is even better. Also, don’t skip the whipped topping or try to substitute with milk; it’s essential for the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to try this irresistible No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe soon! It’s an absolute favorite in my kitchen for its simplicity, show-stopping looks, and addictively luscious flavor. Give it a whirl and share your sweet creations—you might just discover your new signature dessert!

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these decadent No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars. A luscious cream cheese filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a sweet cherry topping, makes for a perfect summer treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the filling:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the topping:

1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into a greased 9×9-inch dish. Chill.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.
Add the topping: Spoon cherry pie filling over the filling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy chilled.