Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

These cherry pistachio cheesecake bars are creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet. The smooth cheesecake layer pairs beautifully with the crunchy pistachio crust and juicy cherry topping. Every bite feels like a little bite of luxury.

I love how the colors pop—soft cream, bright red, and green pistachios make them as pretty as they are delicious. The flavor mix is rich yet refreshing, with the cherries adding just the right touch of tartness.

They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or when you just want a dessert that feels a bit fancy. Easy to make, easy to love—these bars always steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No water bath needed, and simpler than traditional cheesecake.
• Perfect for Crowds: Cut into bars for easy serving at parties and gatherings.
• Beautiful Presentation: The red cherries and green pistachios look stunning together.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Delicious Flavor Combo: Sweet cherries and nutty pistachios complement the creamy cheesecake perfectly.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: About 5 hours

Servings: This recipe makes 16 generous bars. Perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying throughout the week.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners. The steps are simple and straightforward.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper

Ingredients for Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars use simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The combination creates a rich, creamy dessert with wonderful texture and flavor.

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: 2 cups (about 15 crackers crushed)
• Butter: 1/2 cup melted, helps bind the crust together

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: 24 ounces (three 8-ounce packages), softened to room temperature
• Sugar: 3/4 cup for sweetness
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon adds warm flavor
• Eggs: 3 large eggs at room temperature
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup makes the filling extra creamy
• Pistachios: 1/2 cup chopped, plus extra for topping

For the Topping:

• Cherry Pie Filling: 1 can (21 ounces) provides the sweet fruit layer
• Pistachios: 1/4 cup chopped for garnish

Variations for Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

• Different Fruit: Try blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry.
• Nut Options: Use almonds or walnuts if pistachios are not available.
• Chocolate Addition: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness.
• Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for brightness.
• Cookie Crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or Oreos.

How to Make Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges. This makes removing the bars much easier. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

2. Make the Crust

Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you make the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is mixed in. Do not overmix. Stir in the sour cream and chopped pistachios gently with a spatula.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center can jiggle slightly. Turn off the oven and leave the pan inside with the door closed for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks.

5. Add the Cherry Topping

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Cut and Serve

Use the foil or parchment paper to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to slice into 16 bars.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars are delicious served in many ways:

• As Dessert: Serve chilled on small dessert plates with a fork.
• With Coffee: Perfect alongside morning coffee or afternoon tea.
• Party Platter: Arrange on a serving tray for easy grab-and-go treats.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra richness.
• Garnish Ideas: Add fresh mint leaves or extra cherry halves for decoration.

Storing Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerator: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Unbaked Crust: The prepared crust can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This prevents lumps in your filling.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing adds air bubbles that can cause cracks.
• Clean Cuts: For neat slices, wipe your knife clean with a damp cloth between each cut.
• Softening Cream Cheese: Leave cream cheese on the counter for 30-45 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds at a time.
• Test for Doneness: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
• Prevent Sticking: Make sure to line your pan well so the bars lift out easily.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Bar (1/16 of recipe)
Calories	285
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	210mg
Total Carbohydrates	31g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	23g
Protein	5g

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars FAQs

Can I make these bars without a mixer? Yes, you can mix by hand using a wooden spoon or whisk. Just make sure the cream cheese is very soft so you can stir out all the lumps.

Why did my cheesecake crack? Cracks usually happen from overmixing, baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. Follow the cooling steps carefully to prevent cracks.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Yes, but you will need to cook them with sugar first to make a thick topping. Pie filling is easier and saves time.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done? The edges should be set and firm, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make these nut-free? Yes, simply leave out the pistachios. The bars will still taste delicious.