Print

Black Forest Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

These Black Forest Cheesecake Bars combine a rich chocolate Oreo crust with a silky chocolate cheesecake filling, topped with sweet whipped cream, cherry pie filling, and chocolate shavings. This decadent dessert transforms the flavors of a classic Black Forest cake into an easy-to-cut bar perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

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

Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

  • 12 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 3 (8 oz) 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

Sweetened Whipped Cream:

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

Topping:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch cake pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches hanging over the sides for easy removal, and lightly spray with non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and melted butter until thoroughly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  2. Melt Chocolate: Place chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler). Stir constantly until the chocolate melts smoothly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make Cheesecake Filling: Using a handheld mixer on low speed, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, sifted cocoa powder, and cornstarch; continue beating on low until fully combined and smooth. Scrape down bowl sides. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate on low speed until incorporated. Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing slowly until just combined—do not overbeat. Scrape bowl sides and bottom to ensure even mixture. Gently tap the bowl on the counter several times to release air bubbles.
  4. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken. Remove from oven and cool completely on a cooling rack. Run a butterknife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm and chilled, about 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Prepare Sweetened Whipped Cream: In a medium stainless steel bowl, using a handheld mixer, whip the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to assemble.
  6. Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan using the foil or parchment overhang and place on a cutting surface. For the chosen assembly (‘piped border’ method), slice the cheesecake into bars. Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe a decorative shell border around each bar. Spoon cherry pie filling into the center of each bar within the piped border. Sprinkle the edges with chocolate shavings for garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
  • Do not overmix the batter once eggs are added to prevent cracking during baking.
  • For easier removal, lining the pan with foil or parchment helps lift the cheesecake out without breaking.
  • Chilling the cheesecake for several hours or overnight helps to set the filling firmly for clean, neat bars.
  • Chocolate shavings can be made by using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar.
  • Use a large piping tip (such as a star tip) for elegant whipped cream decoration.

Keywords: Black Forest Cheesecake Bars, chocolate cheesecake, Oreo crust, cherry pie filling, whipped cream dessert

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/black-forest-cheesecake-bars-recipe/