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
💛 Little tip from my kitchen
Want to enjoy food and feel lighter?
While testing healthy recipes at home, I discovered a simple nutrition guide that helped me understand which everyday foods were quietly slowing fat loss.
It’s not a diet — just smarter food choices that work beautifully with homemade meals like the one you’re making today 🍽️
👉 Discover the guide here*Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- 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.
💛 Little tip from my kitchen
Want to enjoy food and feel lighter?
While testing healthy recipes at home, I discovered a simple nutrition guide that helped me understand which everyday foods were quietly slowing fat loss.
It’s not a diet — just smarter food choices that work beautifully with homemade meals like the one you’re making today 🍽️
👉 Discover the guide here*Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💛 Little tip from my kitchen
Want to enjoy food and feel lighter?
While testing healthy recipes at home, I discovered a simple nutrition guide that helped me understand which everyday foods were quietly slowing fat loss.
It’s not a diet — just smarter food choices that work beautifully with homemade meals like the one you’re making today 🍽️
👉 Discover the guide here*Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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.