Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
Deliciously creamy cheesecake bars with the irresistible crunch of pistachios and the sweet tang of cherries, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted halal-compliant
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ensure it's alcohol-free
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 0.75 cups shelled pistachios, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, and mix until fluffy. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the chopped cherries and pistachios until evenly distributed.
Combine and Bake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
Chill and Serve
- Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Enjoy with an extra sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a cherry on top!
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free biscuits. For a dairy-free version, vegan cream cheese can be used, but make sure it’s halal-compliant. Be cautious not to overbake your cheesecake, and ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.