Black Forest Cheesecake Bars

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars: A Decadent Dessert for Chocolate Lovers

If you’re a fan of the classic Black Forest Cake, these Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for you! Combining the rich flavors of chocolate cheesecake with a buttery Oreo crust, sweetened whipped cream, and a luscious cherry topping, these bars are indulgent and absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a truly show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 3 cups Oreo crumbs (about 36 Oreos)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

• 12 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
• 3 (8oz) packages cream cheese (24 oz), softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature

For the Sweetened Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 (18 oz) can cherry pie filling
• Chocolate shavings

Directions:

1. Make the Crust:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch cake pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
• Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

• Melt the chocolate: In a large heat-safe bowl, melt the bittersweet or semisweet chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on low speed until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch and mix until fully combined and smooth.
• Mix in wet ingredients: Add the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until the mixture is smooth. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate and mix until incorporated.
• Add the eggs: Add the eggs and the yolk one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture creamy.
• Pour and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a cooling rack.

3. Chill the Cheesecake:

• Once cooled, run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set properly.

4. Make the Sweetened Whipped Cream:

• In a medium stainless steel bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Set aside in the fridge until ready to assemble.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars:

• Option 1: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and lift it out of the pan using the foil overhang. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cheesecake, then spoon the cherry pie filling on top. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and slice into bars.
• Option 2: Slice the cheesecake into bars first, then pipe whipped cream around the edges using a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Fill the centers with cherry pie filling and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Recipe Notes:

• Chocolate Options: Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate works best for a balanced flavor in the cheesecake filling. Adjust based on your preferred level of sweetness.
• Make Ahead: These bars are great for making ahead of time since they need to chill for several hours or overnight. You can even prepare them a day before serving.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries. Perfect for parties or special occasions, these bars are sure to impress anyone who loves the classic flavors of a Black Forest Cake in a more convenient, bite-sized form. Enjoy them as a delicious indulgence that’s both beautiful and irresistible!

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