Why is cream cheese used in desserts?

It makes icebox pie fillings smooth, cake frostings and drizzles creamy, and baked goods more tender . Whether you're stirring up a batch of brownies or frosting a three-layer red velvet cake, cream cheese is ready to come to the rescue.

What happens when you whip cream cheese?

Unlike regular cream cheese, cream cheese that has been whipped incorporates much more air into the cream cheese due to the whipping process. This additional air gives it that light and fluffy texture, making it perfect as a spread . It's also different from regular cream cheese based on the manufacturing process.

How do you thicken cream cheese filling?

Mix 1 tablespoon (25 grams) of cornstarch into the frosting . If it is still too runny, add a little more. Continue to add cornstarch until you are happy with the texture. Avoid adding more than 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) of cornstarch per 8 oz (226 grams) of cream cheese.

Can I freeze cream cheese?

While cream cheese may not last long in the fridge, you can freeze it for up to two months . To use frozen cream cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Previously frozen cream cheese will still have the same flavor as its refrigerated counterpart, but its texture may be grainy.

How long does cream cheese last in the fridge?

Once opened, cream cheese should be eaten within two weeks and kept in the fridge, according to Healthline. Its storage, packaging and processing can also impact the dairy product's longevity. Cream cheese's pasteurization does kill microorganism, but its high water "still poses a risk of microbial contamination."

When not to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese that has been continuously refrigerated can last for several weeks. “ Cream cheese packages that haven't been opened can be used for up to two to three weeks past their best by date ,” Edwards says. “Once opened, it's best to use cream cheese within ten days.

Is cream cheese healthier than butter?

Cream cheese is generally a healthier option due to its lower calorie and fat content and higher protein levels . It can be an ideal spread or dip for those on a calorie-restricted or high-protein diet. If you prefer butter's flavor but want less fat, light butter is a tasty alternative.

Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Bars - easy and delicious dessert recipe (2024)

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These Cherry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion or celebration. With three different layers of deliciousness, everyone is going to love these tasty bars.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Cherry Cream Cheese Bars:

2 How to make Cherry Cream Cheese Bars:

3 How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Bars:

4 Cherry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe:

5 Cherry Cream Cheese Bars

Cherry Cream Cheese Bars:

I’m a big fan of dessert bar recipes like these Cherry Cream Cheese Bars. Why?

Well, typically recipes like these are really simple to make and tend to feed crowd. That’s certainly the case with this recipe as well!

How to make Cherry Cream Cheese Bars:

What makes these bars particularly tasty is it’s layers. It starts off with a layer of cake (which is so simple to make) and then followed by a cream cheese layer.

After that, sweet cherry pie filling gets layered on, followed by big dollops of cake. Yum!

Once the whole thing is cooled, these Cherry Cream Cheese Bars get a drizzle of confectioners’ sugar glaze for a finished sweet touch. Perfection!

The resulting bars are amazingly delicious. They would be amazing without the layer of cream cheese, but it just takes them to a whole other level of awesomeness.

Let me show you how to make them.

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Bars:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

With a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at time. Beat well after each addition. Then, put in the vanilla and almond extract. Finally, gradually add in the flour and baking powder. For your convenience, there is a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Spread about 2 1/2 cups of this batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. (I found it easiest to use an offset spatula greased with a little cooking oil to spread out the batter.)

In a medium-size bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and egg. Add this on top of the first layer of batter. Then, spread out the cherry pie filling.

Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the filling. Bake about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Once the bars are cool, in a small bowl mix together confectioners’ sugar, extracts, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the top.

Want More Easy and Tasty Bar Recipes? Try these:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin Cookie Bars with Maple Frosting
Emily’s Cheerio Treat Bars
Pumpkin Bars
Ombré Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Cherry Cream Cheese Bars Recipe:

Cherry Cream Cheese Bars

These Cherry Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion or celebration. With three different layers of deliciousness, everyone is going to love these tasty bars.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bars, cherry, cream cheese, dessert, dessert bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 24

Calories: 238kcal

Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cans (21 ounce each) cherry pie filling

Cheesecake Layer:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 - 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
With a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at time. Beat well after each addition. Then, put in the vanilla and almond extract. Finally, gradually add in the flour and baking powder.
Spread about 2 1/2 cups of this batter into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking sheet. (I found it easiest to use an offset spatula greased with a little cooking oil to spread out the batter.)
In a medium-size bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and egg. Add this on top of the first layer of batter. Then, spread out the cherry pie filling.
Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the filling. Bake about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Once the bars are cool, in a small bowl mix together confectioners' sugar, extracts, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the top.

Nutrition