Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of cherries and pistachios with these decadent cheesecake bars. Creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet, they are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
For the topping (optional):
- Extra chopped cherries and pistachios for garnish
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, ground pistachios, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, extracts, cherries, and pistachios. Pour over the crust.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Lift out of the pan, slice into bars, and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Blot cherries dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Bars keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen.
- For a nut-free version, omit pistachios and increase graham cracker crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
