These Cherry Cheesecake Bars are pure comfort food—simple, generous, and perfect for sharing. With just three main ingredients plus a few pantry basics, you’ll get a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet cherry topping in less time than it takes to order takeout. No mixer, no complicated steps—just stir, spread, bake, and enjoy.
Best of all, the recipe easily makes two pans, so you can keep one and gift the other. You only need yellow cake mix, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling. For the pantry extras, add melted butter, one egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix the cake mix, butter, egg, and salt until crumbly, then press it into greased baking dishes to form the crust.
Spread softened cream cheese over the crust for that classic cheesecake flavor and smooth texture. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, leaving a small border. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Let the bars cool completely, then chill them for at least two hours so they slice neatly and hold their layers beautifully.
These bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or quick homemade gifts. Serve with coffee, iced tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Store in the fridge up to five days, or freeze slices for later. They’re not just dessert—they’re a sweet way to say “I’m thinking of you.”
