Quick & Dreamy Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Black forest cheesecake bars dance between rich decadence and nostalgic comfort, weaving chocolate and cherry into a sublime dessert experience.

These layered delights blend creamy textures with intense flavor profiles that captivate dessert enthusiasts.

Silky cream cheese provides a luxurious foundation for deep cocoa undertones and bright fruit notes.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the bars offer a modern twist on classic flavor combinations.

German culinary traditions inspired this delectable treat, reinventing familiar ingredients into an extraordinary confection.

Intricate and elegant, each bite promises a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy elements.

We guarantee these bars will become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients Checklist for Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Oreo Crumbs: Classic cookie base with rich chocolate flavor, providing a sturdy and delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich, smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the signature cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling with clean, pure sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deeper, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Cocoa Powder: Intense chocolate flavor that enhances the overall chocolate profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize and thicken the cheesecake filling for perfect consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and contributes to the creamy, velvety texture.
• Heavy Cream: Increases richness and helps create a smooth, silky filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor that complements chocolate.
• Large Eggs, Egg Yolk: Bind the filling and provide structure and richness.
• Chocolate: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate for deep, intense chocolate flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Chilled cream for making light, fluffy whipped topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the whipped cream.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, fruity topping that adds moisture and color contrast.
• Chocolate Shavings: Decorative garnish that adds texture and extra chocolate flavor.

How to Make Black Forest Cheesecake Bars at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, creating slight overhang. Spray with cooking spray.

• Oreo cookie crumbs
• Melted butter

Press mixture firmly into pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

Melt chocolate using double boiler method. Let cool slightly.

In large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky smooth.

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Cornstarch

Beat until perfectly blended.

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Gently incorporate melted chocolate.

Fold eggs one at a time, mixing minimally to maintain smooth texture.

Step 3: Bake Cheesecake Layer

Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake 30-35 minutes until edges set and center slightly wobbles.

Remove from oven. Let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

• Chilled heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove cheesecake from refrigerator after 4-hour chilling.

Lift from pan using foil edges.

Select serving style:

Option 1: Spread whipped cream across entire surface. Top with cherry pie filling. Sprinkle chocolate shavings.

Option 2: Slice into bars. Pipe whipped cream around edges. Fill center with cherry filling. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Chill until ready to serve. Enjoy your decadent dessert!

Tricks to Make Your Cheesecake Bars Even Better

• Prevent Cracking Confidence: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and bake in a water bath to create a silky-smooth texture without surface cracks.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure smooth, perfectly melted chocolate without burning.
• Crust Compression Technique: Press the Oreo crust firmly and evenly into the pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact, stable base.
• Chilling Champion: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain a creamy consistency.
• Slice Like a Pro: Use a hot, clean knife wiped between each cut to create neat, clean edges when portioning the cheesecake bars.

Storage and Reheating Guide for Cheesecake Bar Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store covered cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator. For slightly softened texture, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain creamy consistency.

Pairing Suggestions for Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Pair with Rich Cherry Port: Complement the Black Forest Cheesecake Bars with a sweet cherry port that echoes the dessert's deep cherry flavors, enhancing the chocolate and fruit notes.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, bold dark roast coffee to cut through the creamy cheesecake richness and amplify the chocolate undertones of the dessert.
• Create a Chocolate Wine Experience: Select a smooth chocolate-infused red wine or a robust dessert wine like a late harvest Zinfandel to mirror the decadent chocolate layers in the cheesecake bars.
• Fresh Fruit Contrast: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries to provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, dense chocolate cheesecake, balancing the dessert's intense flavors.

Flavorful Spins on Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

• Cherry Chocolate Swirl: Marble the cherry pie filling directly into the cheesecake batter before baking, creating beautiful red and chocolate swirls throughout each bar.
• Chocolate Liqueur Edition: Add 2 tablespoons of cherry liqueur or kirsch to the cheesecake filling for an adult-friendly version with enhanced flavor depth.
• Nutty Oreo Base: Replace half the Oreo crumbs with finely ground almonds or hazelnuts to introduce a crunchy, nutty undertone to the crust.
• Dark Forest Intense: Use extra dark chocolate in the filling and top with fresh cherries instead of pie filling for a more sophisticated, less sweet interpretation of the classic dessert.

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars That Impress Every Time

• Indulge in Chocolate Decadence: These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars combine rich chocolate cheesecake with classic cherry flavors, creating an irresistible dessert that feels like a luxurious treat.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers two stunning presentation options, letting you choose between a full-sheet topping or individually decorated bars, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant dessert tables.
• Quick and Impressive Preparation: Despite looking complex, this dessert comes together surprisingly simply, with straightforward steps that deliver professional-looking results without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Textural Symphony: Each bite blends smooth, creamy cheesecake with crunchy Oreo crust and soft whipped cream, creating a multi-dimensional sensory experience that keeps taste buds excited and engaged.

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars blend German chocolate cake magic with creamy cheesecake layers. Rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and whipped cream create an irresistible dessert that transports you to a charming European patisserie.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

Oreo Cookies and Chocolate:

• 3 cups Oreo crumbs (about 36 Oreos)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Cream Cheese and Eggs:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

Sugars and Other Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream and Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (18 ounces/510 grams) can cherry pie filling
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake by pulverizing Oreo cookies and blending with melted butter, then pressing the mixture firmly into a foil-lined pan.
2. Toast the crust in a preheated oven until it sets, creating a crisp base for the decadent layers to follow.
3. Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler method, allowing it to cool and maintain a smooth, glossy texture.
4. Whip cream cheese until velvety, incorporating sugars, cocoa powder, and cornstarch to develop a rich, uniform mixture.
5. Fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla, creating a luxurious backdrop for the chocolate essence.
6. Stream the cooled melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a seamless integration of flavors.
7. Delicately incorporate eggs, mixing minimally to preserve the filling’s silky consistency and prevent potential curdling.
8. Pour the chocolate-infused batter over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to ensure uniform baking.
9. Bake until the edges firm up and the center maintains a subtle wobble, indicating perfect custard-like texture.
10. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate to set and intensify the flavors.
11. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms soft, billowy peaks.
12. Remove the chilled cheesecake and slice into elegant bars.
13. Embellish each bar with a lavish swirl of whipped cream, a generous dollop of cherry pie filling, and a delicate sprinkle of chocolate shavings.

Notes

• Preparation requires precision: Each step builds layers of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake flavors, so follow instructions carefully.
• Chocolate matters: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for deeper, more complex taste that elevates the entire dessert.
• Cooling is crucial: Allow cheesecake to chill completely in refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set properly and develop intense flavor profile.
• Temperature control ensures perfection: Keep ingredients like cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Make-ahead magic: These bars can be prepared a day in advance, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining or special occasions.
• Customize with confidence: Experiment with different cherry variations or chocolate types to create your unique signature dessert twist.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 469
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg