No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bars

This decadent no-bake chocolate cherry bar recipe combines the perfect balance of chocolate and cherry flavors in a creamy cheesecake-like dessert that requires zero oven time. The combination of an Oreo cookie crust with a silky cream cheese and cherry filling creates a showstopping dessert that always disappears quickly at gatherings.

I first made these bars for a neighborhood potluck when my oven broke unexpectedly. They were such a hit that I now make them regularly for family gatherings and they're always the first dessert to disappear from the table.

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies: Provide the perfect chocolatey base that complements both the cherry and chocolate flavors in the filling. Use regular Oreos with the cream filling intact for the best texture and flavor.
• Butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness. Use unsalted butter if you want to control the salt level.
• Cream cheese: Creates the luxurious creamy base for the filling. Full-fat cream cheese works best for the richest flavor and texture.
• Confectioners' sugar: Sweetens without graininess. It dissolves perfectly into the cream cheese for a smooth filling.
• Cherry pie filling: Adds fruity tartness and beautiful color. Look for a high-quality brand with whole cherries for the best flavor and appearance.
• Mini chocolate chips: Distribute evenly throughout the filling for bursts of chocolate in every bite. The semi-sweet variety balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Whipped cream: Lightens the texture and makes the filling fluffy. Fresh whipped cream works beautifully but store-bought whipped topping is convenient and reliable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Spray your 7x11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, making sure to cover all the corners and edges. This ensures your bars will release cleanly when serving.

Make the Oreo Crust:

Place whole Oreo cookies including the filling into your food processor and pulse until you achieve a fine consistent crumb texture. Some tiny pieces are fine but avoid large chunks that would make the crust uneven. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter. Stir thoroughly until every crumb is moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.

Form the Crust:

Pour the crumb mixture into your prepared baking dish and use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to firmly press the crust into an even layer. Pay special attention to the corners and edges to create a solid foundation for your bars. The more firmly you press, the better your crust will hold together when sliced.

Create the Cream Cheese Base:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps in your final product. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before beginning.

Add Sweetness and Flavor:

Add the confectioners' sugar and cherry pie filling to the cream cheese. Beat at medium speed until fully incorporated and the mixture turns a beautiful pink color. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Incorporate the Chocolate:

Gently fold in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping. Using a folding motion rather than stirring preserves the airiness of the mixture and prevents the chips from sinking to the bottom.

Complete the Filling:

Carefully fold in the whipped cream using a light hand to maintain the airy texture. Continue folding just until no white streaks remain. Overmixing will deflate the filling.

Assemble and Chill:

Pour the completed filling over the Oreo crust and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the bars to set completely.

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The cherry pie filling is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this delightful combination when trying to use up leftover cherry pie filling from Thanksgiving. My daughter declared it tasted like a chocolate covered cherry in dessert form, and now it's our most requested special occasion treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different crust instead of Oreos?

Yes, you can use graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or any cookie of your choice for the crust.

→ Can I substitute the cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can replace cherry pie filling with another fruit filling like strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry for variety.

→ How long should the bars chill before serving?

The bars need to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to ensure the filling is set and firm.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or additional chocolate chips make great toppings to enhance flavor and texture.