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Creamy No-Bake Amaretto Cherry Cheesecake Bars

no bake amaretto cherry cheesecake bars - featured image
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A rich and dreamy no-bake cheesecake bar featuring a creamy amaretto-infused filling topped with a fresh cherry compote. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick dessert cravings without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers), honey-flavored preferred
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened, full-fat
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup amaretto liqueur
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon amaretto (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
  2. Make the cherry topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally until cherries release juices and sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes). Stir in cornstarch-water mixture and cook 2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in amaretto. Cool completely.
  3. Whip the cream: Beat cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Avoid overbeating.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add amaretto and beat until combined.
  5. Fold in whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula to keep it light and airy.
  6. Assemble the bars: Spread cheesecake filling evenly over chilled crust. Smooth the top. Spoon cooled cherry topping over filling, spreading gently without mixing.
  7. Chill: Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  8. Serve: Run a warm knife around pan edges to loosen bars. Cut into 9 or 12 squares. Serve chilled.

Notes

Softened cream cheese is essential to avoid lumps. Whip cream to soft peaks without overbeating. Gently fold whipped cream into filling to keep it airy. Chill crust before adding filling to prevent sogginess. If cherry topping is too runny after chilling, drain excess juice before spreading. Can substitute gluten-free crust or dairy-free alternatives as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, amaretto cherry bars, summer dessert, easy cheesecake bars, no-bake dessert, cherry cheesecake, amaretto dessert

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creamy-no-bake-amaretto-cherry-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-for-summer-desserts/