Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Dive into the indulgent flavors of tart cherries nestled in a velvety cheesecake, all sitting atop a
rich chocolate crumble. These Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a luxurious
dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

**Ingredients:**

**For the Chocolate Crumble:**

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1½ cups cold butter, diced

**For the Cheesecake Filling:**

- 2 cups (16 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1⅓ cups cherries, fresh or thawed if frozen, quartered

**Optional Chocolate Drizzle:**

- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp heavy cream

**Directions:**

1. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing
it or lining with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, or using a pastry blender by hand, mix the flour, cocoa powder, brown
sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the
bottom of the baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for 25 minutes, then allow it to cool for a bit.
5. For the cheesecake layer, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar, vanilla
extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each
addition.
6. Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Evenly distribute the quartered
cherries on top.
7. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the cherry layer.
8. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the
cheesecake is set and the top has a slight golden hue.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
10. If desired, create a chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate chips and heavy cream
together, then drizzle over the cooled bars.
11. Keep the bars stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also be frozen for
extended enjoyment.
**Prep Time:** 25 minutes | **Cook Time:** 65 minutes | **Total Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes
(plus cooling)

**Calories:** 217 per bar | **Yields:** 36 bars