Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

1. Prepare the Crumble:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Alternatively, use a pastry knife to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.

Reserve 1 cup of the crumble mixture for topping later.

Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan.

Bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes while preparing the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, white sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the eggs, beating until fully incorporated.

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Sprinkle the chopped cherries evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Use your hands to press together the reserved crumble mixture, then break it into small pieces and sprinkle over the top.

3. Bake:

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set in the center.

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