Name: Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 9 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced almonds; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 5 tablespoons brown sugar; 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ teaspoons almond extract; 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries; 1 cup frozen tart cherries, pitted; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons corn starch; 2 teaspoons water; ½ teaspoon almond extract

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If you are after a treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your perfect match. Imagine a buttery almond crust with the perfect amount of crunch, topped by a silky, creamy cheesecake layer paired with a luscious cherry topping bursting with flavor. It’s a dessert that sings with the warmth of almond extract and the vibrant brightness of sweet and tart cherries, all while being completely gluten-free. Whether for a cozy night in or to impress guests at a gathering, these bars combine texture, taste, and a touch of elegance that will quickly make them your new favorite dessert obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three square pieces of cheesecake on white plates, each with a two-layer structure: a light brown crumbly base and a thick, smooth white cream cheese topping. Two of the cheesecakes have a glossy, deep red cherry sauce with whole dark red cherries spilling slightly down the sides, creating runs of syrup. One cheesecake is plain with three almonds on top. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more cherries in the rich red sauce. The plates and bowl are placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting in the bottom left corner and a soft beige cloth between the plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in our Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dessert to life.

Sliced almonds (2 cups): Ground into a coarse sand to create a nutty, gluten-free crust with just the right crunch.
Butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Binds the almond crust and gives it richness and tenderness.
Brown sugar (5 tablespoons): Adds caramel notes to the crust and sweetness to the cherry topping.
Cream cheese, room temperature (24 ounces): The luscious base of the cheesecake layer, providing creaminess and tang.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons): Sweetens both the cheesecake filling and cherry topping, balancing tartness.
Large eggs (2): Gives structure to the cheesecake for that perfect set without cracking.
Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang to enrich the cheesecake’s flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and aromatic complexity to the batter.
Almond extract (2 teaspoons, divided): Intensifies the almond flavor, boosting the dessert’s distinct nutty charm.
Frozen dark sweet cherries (1 cup) and frozen tart cherries, pitted (1 cup): Combine sweetness and tartness for a vibrant, colorful topping.
Corn starch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the cherry topping into a luscious glaze that coats every bite.
Water (2 teaspoons): Helps activate the cornstarch for smooth consistency in the cherry sauce.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil, making sure to leave an overhang on all sides—it will help you lift the bars out cleanly after baking. Setting this foundation right ensures an effortless removal and neat presentation.

Step 2: Make the Almond Crust

Grab your food processor and pulse the sliced almonds until they resemble coarse sand—a texture that’s perfect for a crisp crust that’s not too fine or powdery. Add in melted butter and brown sugar, pulsing again until everything combines beautifully. Press this fragrant mixture evenly into your prepared pan, then pop it in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter

Beat the room temperature cream cheese with ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this step is key to a smooth base free from lumps. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of almond extract to infuse that signature nutty aroma. Pour this creamy batter evenly over the chilled almond crust and smooth the top gently.

Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath

Place a larger pan on the oven rack, then set your cheesecake pan inside it. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. This water bath method creates gentle, even heat, preventing cracks and ensuring that silky texture you crave. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the edges are set and the center barely jiggles. Once baked, turn off the oven and prop the door open with a wooden spoon handle. Let it cool in the oven for an hour for gentle cooling.

Step 5: Chill Overnight

Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and transfer it to the fridge to chill overnight. This allows flavors to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully, giving you bars that cut cleanly and hold their shape perfectly.

Step 6: Make the Cherry Topping

While the cheesecake chills, place your frozen sweet and tart cherries with the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and cherries begin to soften. Whisk together corn starch and water, then stir into the cherries. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Remove from heat and add the last ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a fragrance boost. Cool completely before refrigerating until ready to use.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

When ready, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan, then slice into bars with a hot, clean knife for smooth cuts. Spoon generous amounts of the cherry topping over each bar for the perfect balance of creamy and fruity.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe

The image shows three square pieces of cheesecake, each with a creamy off-white top layer and a light brown crumbly bottom layer. Two of the cheesecake squares have a glossy, dark red cherry topping with whole cherries on top and a few extra cherries placed around them on white plates. The third cheesecake square is plain with three almonds on top. There is a white bowl filled with the same cherry topping, with a spoon inside it. A silver fork rests on the edge of one white plate. Whole almonds are scattered around on a white marbled surface, and a beige cloth is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds adds a delightful extra crunch and visual appeal. If you want to make it even more decadent, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves can brighten the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to bring out the creamy and nutty flavors even more. A cup of strong coffee or a fragrant herbal tea also complements the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Present the bars on a rustic wooden platter with the cherry topping in a pretty serving bowl on the side, so guests can add as much or as little as they like. You could also layer the bars and cherry topping in clear dessert glasses for an elegant parfait-style treat that’s both charming and convenient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars covered tightly in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, so leftovers can be even better than the day-of!

Freezing

You can freeze the bars either whole or cut into individual servings. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

These cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended, as it can alter the creamy texture. If you want to soften the cherry topping slightly, you can warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen for the topping?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used when in season—just pit and chop them as needed. Keep an eye on cooking time since fresh cherries might release more liquid than frozen, which can slightly affect the thickness of the topping.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Since the crust relies on almonds, this recipe is not safe for those with nut allergies. However, you could experiment with gluten-free oat flour or a nut-free gluten-free crust alternative if needed.

Can I substitute cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, some dairy-free cream cheeses work well, though the texture and slight tang may differ. Look for brands labeled suitable for baking to maintain a smooth batter in the Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe.

Why is the water bath important when baking these bars?

The water bath gently regulates the oven temperature around the cheesecake, preventing cracks and ensuring the cheesecake sets with a silky, smooth texture rather than drying out or becoming dense.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water, then dry it thoroughly before each cut. This warm blade will glide through the creamy cheesecake more cleanly, leaving neat slices every time.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Cheesecake Bars Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that never fails to impress and comfort at the same time. With its perfect almond crunch, silky cheesecake, and vibrant cherry topping, these bars easily become a cherished classic you’ll want to pull out for any occasion. Whip them up, share with loved ones, and enjoy every delicious bite!