Save A festive, decadent dessert bar combining creamy cheesecake, sweet cherries, and the nostalgic flavor of birthday cake, all in one colorful, celebratory treat.
The first time I made these, my family couldn't stop talking about the playful birthday cake sprinkles mixed into the crumbly topping. They're now a staple for every birthday gathering and instantly bring a cheerful vibe to the dessert table.
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
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make Crust:
- In a bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into the bottom of prepared pan.
- Bake Crust:
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- 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.
- Layer & Swirl:
- Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust. Dollop cherry pie filling over cheesecake layer, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl some cherries and filling into the cheesecake.
- Make Crumble:
- In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla, and salt to form a crumbly dough. Mix in rainbow sprinkles gently.
- Add Topping:
- Crumble the birthday cake dough evenly over cherry layer.
- Bake Bars:
- Bake 25 to 27 minutes until topping is lightly golden and cheesecake is just set.
- Cool & Chill:
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing into bars.
Save My kids love decorating the top with extra sprinkles, making each batch just a little bit unique for every birthday celebration.
Required Tools
You'll need a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, parchment paper, and a knife for slicing.
Allergen Information
This dessert contains dairy, eggs, and wheat (gluten), and may contain soy depending on the vanilla wafer brand. Always check ingredient packaging for allergen statements.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each bar has approximately 270 calories, 14 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save These bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with color and flavor in every bite. Celebrate any occasion with a batch straight from your oven.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get clean slices of the bars?
Refrigerate the bars overnight to firm them up, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut for neat slices.
- → Can I use a different fruit topping?
Yes, substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or even peach for a fun variation.
- → Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
Parchment paper makes removal and slicing much easier, preventing the bars from sticking to the pan.
- → Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Swap out regular vanilla wafer crumbs with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free flour in the crumble.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.