What is the recipe for Cheery Cheesecake Cookie Bars?

Cheery Cheesecake Cookie Bars

This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of cheesecake and cherry pie into a delicious bar. It's perfect for any occasion!

Yields: 12 bars

Prep time: 30 minutes

Bake time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the crust:

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cheesecake filling:

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

* 1 large egg

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry topping:

* 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

* 1/4 cup granulated sugar

* 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

* In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, and salt.

* Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the ingredients are evenly combined and form a coarse crumbly mixture.

* Press the crust mixture into an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the cheesecake filling:

* In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.

* Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Assemble the bars:

* Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust.

* Spread the filling evenly over the crust.

4. Prepare the cherry topping:

* In a small saucepan, combine the cherry pie filling, sugar, and cornstarch.

* Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

* Let cool for a few minutes.

5. Top the bars:

* Pour the cooled cherry topping over the cheesecake filling.

* Spread the topping evenly.

6. Bake:

* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the cherry topping is bubbly.

7. Cool:

* Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars.

Tips:

* You can use different types of pie filling for the topping, such as blueberry or apple.

* If you want a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur to the cherry topping.

* Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious Cheery Cheesecake Cookie Bars!