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Flavorful Firecracker Cherry Cheesecake Bars

firecracker cherry cheesecake bars - featured image
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These cheesecake bars combine a creamy, rich base with a spicy twist from cayenne pepper and a sweet cherry topping, creating a unique and delightful dessert perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150g)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (450g)
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (225g)
  • ¼ cup cherry preserves or jam (80g)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ⅛ tsp chili powder or smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set and fragrant.
  3. While the crust bakes, combine cherries, cherry preserves, lemon juice, and chili powder in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until the preserves melt and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes). Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cayenne pepper. If batter is too stiff, add a splash of milk to loosen.
  5. Pour half the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread evenly. Spoon half the cherry topping over this layer, swirling gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Repeat with remaining batter and cherry topping, then swirl again.
  6. Bake the assembled bars for 35–40 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and leave the pan inside with the door slightly open for 10 minutes to cool gradually.
  7. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Use the parchment edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened properly to avoid lumps. Do not overmix batter to prevent cracks. Bake at a lower temperature and cool gradually with oven door slightly open. Chill bars well before cutting for best texture and flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder to taste for desired heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cheesecake bars, spicy dessert, firecracker cheesecake, cayenne pepper dessert, easy cheesecake bars, cherry dessert, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/flavorful-firecracker-cherry-cheesecake-bars-easy-spicy-dessert-recipe/