Save A festive, decadent dessert bar combining creamy cheesecake, sweet cherries, and the nostalgic flavor of birthday cake, all in one colorful, celebratory treat.
I first made these for a friend's birthday, and everyone loved the fun twist on classic cheesecake bars. The rainbow sprinkles bring instant cheer to any gathering.
Ingredients
- Crust: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) vanilla wafer cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 tablespoons sugar, pinch of salt
- Cheesecake Layer: 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
- Cherry Topping: 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
- Birthday Cake Crumble: 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare crust:
- In a bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust:
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Mix cheesecake batter:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined. Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream. Beat until smooth.
- Add cheesecake layer:
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Add cherry filling:
- Dollop cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl some of the cherries and filling into the cheesecake.
- Make birthday cake crumble:
- In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla, and salt to form a crumbly dough. Gently mix in rainbow sprinkles.
- Add crumble topping:
- Crumble the birthday cake dough evenly over the cherry layer.
- Bake bars:
- Bake for 25–27 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and the cheesecake is just set.
- Cool and chill:
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing into bars.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle the crumble on top, and it's become our new birthday tradition to make these bars together as a family.
Required Tools
9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, parchment paper, knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, wheat (gluten); may contain soy depending on the brand of cookie used. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 270 calories, 14 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save These bars make every celebration sweeter with a pop of color and a burst of flavor. Enjoy them chilled for the perfect treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different fruit topping?
Yes, blueberry or raspberry pie filling are tasty alternatives to cherry for a flavorful twist.
- → Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Softened cream cheese is important for a smooth, lump-free filling. Let it sit at room temperature before use.
- → How do I store the bars?
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- → What’s the best way to slice these bars?
Chilling overnight ensures clean cuts; use a sharp knife wiped between slices for neat portions.
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, use nut-free vanilla wafers and check labels to avoid any nut-containing ingredients.
- → Do the sprinkles add flavor or just decoration?
Sprinkles primarily add color and texture to the topping, making the bars more festive.