A Dessert You’ll Make Again and Again
Some desserts you try once.
Others become tradition.
These Cherry Cheesecake Bars belong to the second group. They spark nostalgia, earn compliments, and travel beautifully. Bring them to a potluck, gift them to neighbors, or make them just because.
Most importantly, they feel familiar and comforting.
Why These Bars Are So Easy to Love
What sets these bars apart isn’t just flavor—it’s simplicity.
You don’t need a stand mixer.
You don’t need special skills.
You don’t need fancy ingredients.
Instead, you assemble, bake, chill, and share.
With just three core ingredients—yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling—you create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Three Layers of Pure Comfort
Each bite delivers balance and contrast.
The Crust
Made from yellow cake mix, butter, and egg.
Buttery. Tender. Slightly sweet.
The Cheesecake Layer
Cream cheese, sugar, and egg come together smoothly.
Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
The Cherry Topping
Glossy. Jewel-bright. Slightly tart.
It turns simple bars into a standout dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Familiar Flavors, Perfectly Stacked
Each layer plays a role. Together, they create comfort in every bite.
2. Fast Prep, No Compromise
Cake mix eliminates extra steps. One bowl saves time and dishes.
3. Crowd-Friendly Balance
Not too rich. Not too sweet.
Kids love them. Adults do too.
4. Easy to Serve
Serve chilled. Dress them up. Or keep them simple.
Ingredients That Matter
Base Ingredients
Yellow cake mix (15–16 oz): Builds the crust effortlessly
2 large eggs (divided): Bind the layers
½ cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness
8 oz full-fat cream cheese: Ensures smooth texture
¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor
2 cans cherry pie filling (21 oz each): Sweet, tart topping
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness
Tip: Full-fat cream cheese delivers the best results. Low-fat versions may turn grainy.
Equipment You’ll Need
Two 9×13-inch baking pans
Large mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
Hand mixer (optional)
Cooling rack
Sharp knife
Plastic wrap or foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pans
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease both pans.
Why two pans? One to keep. One to share.
2. Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine:
Cake mix
Melted butter
1 egg
Pinch of salt
Stir until crumbly. Press evenly into both pans.
Tip: Use a measuring cup to flatten the crust.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In the same bowl:
Cream cheese
Sugar
1 egg
Vanilla
Mix until smooth. Spread gently over the crust.
4. Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon cherry filling evenly over both pans.
Leave it smooth—or swirl lightly for a marbled look.
5. Bake
Bake 28–32 minutes.
Edges should set. Centers may jiggle slightly.
Do not overbake.
6. Cool and Chill
Cool for 30 minutes.
Then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Chilling ensures clean slices and firm layers.
Serving Ideas
Dust with powdered sugar
Add whipped cream
Serve with vanilla ice cream
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce
Perfect Pairings
Coffee or espresso
Hot tea
Milk or hot chocolate
Tips for Success
Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese
Chill before slicing
Check doneness early
Avoid overmixing
Watch bake time carefully
Easy Variations
Fruit Swaps
Blueberry
Strawberry
Peach
Mixed berry
Flavor Boosts
Lemon zest
White chocolate chips
Graham cracker crumbs
Crust Options
Graham cracker
Oreo
Shortbread
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator:
Store airtight for 4–5 days.
Freezer:
Wrap tightly. Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Made for Sharing
This recipe travels well and keeps beautifully.
Bake early. Chill. Gift later.
Keep one pan.
Share the other.
Add parchment, a ribbon, or a handwritten note—it’s comfort in edible form.
Why People Keep Coming Back
These bars aren’t just dessert.
They’re memory.
They’re warmth.
They’re community.
Simple to make. Easy to share.
Comforting in every bite.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
