CENTENNIAL CHERRY CHEESECAKE SQUARES

CENTENNIAL CHEESECAKE SQUARES

— A century of cream cheese tradition, reimagined for the modern table.

Creamy Cherry Cheesecake Bars with a golden crust and glossy cherry topping, styled on a vintage floral plate — *From the Centennial Collection, 1981 — revived in my kitchen, where heirloom recipes find their forever home.*

Originally featured in the Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese Centennial Cookbook (1981), this Cherry Cheesecake carries with it a century of celebration — rich, smooth, and sweetly timeless. First baked to honor Philadelphia’s 100th year, its lemon-kissed crust and creamy filling embody the golden age of classic desserts. .

A Tale of Two Cheesecakes

Centennial Cheesecake, 1981 — created to celebrate 100 years of Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese.

Cherry Cheesecake Squares, 2001 — the inspiration behind my modern From Scratch Sensations version.

Two decades later, the 2001 Classic Recipes edition reimagined that spirit into glossy, cherry-topped squares. My version brings both together — the nostalgia of the past and the heart of homemade comfort.

📄 Print Recipe

Notes 🍂
Chill the cheesecake completely before slicing for clean edges and the perfect creamy texture. Garnish with toasted almonds or heart-shaped pastry cutouts for a charming touch. This dessert keeps beautifully — refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze (without topping) for up to a month.