1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.

Mix crushed cookies with melted butter until combined.

Press into the pan to form a firm crust.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.

2. Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and sour cream. Beat until creamy and lump-free.

(Optional) Add cocoa powder for a chocolate cheesecake twist.

Pour over the cooled crust and smooth out the top.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Cool completely at room temp, then chill for at least 4 hours.

4. Add Cherry Layer

Once chilled, spread cherry pie filling evenly on top.

Chill again while you make the ganache.

5. Top with Ganache

In a heatproof bowl, heat cream until steaming (not boiling).

Pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Drizzle or spread over the cherry layer.

6. Chill & Slice

Chill for 30 more minutes to set ganache.

Lift out of pan and slice into bars with a sharp knife (wipe between cuts for clean edges!).

Optional Garnishes

Whipped cream dollops

Dark chocolate shavings

Fresh cherries

Powdered sugar dusting

Tips & Twists

Want a boozy version? Add 1 tbsp Kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherry filling.

Sub Oreos with chocolate graham crackers for a lighter crust.