Crisp, buttery crust gives way to a luxuriously creamy cheesecake filling, bursting with the sweet-tartness of cherries. These Cake Mix Cherry Cheesecake Bars deliver a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. The magic lies in the simplicity of the cake mix crust, offering a shortcut to a truly decadent dessert without sacrificing any of the flavor.
This recipe works because it balances the richness of the cheesecake with the bright, fruity cherry pie filling, creating a harmonious blend that’s not too heavy or cloying. These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply as a delightful weeknight treat.
Why you’ll love this Easy Cake Mix Cherry Cheesecake Bars
- Quick and Easy: The cake mix crust cuts down on prep time, making this a breeze to whip up.
- Incredibly Delicious: The creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry combination is a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dessert.
- Customizable: Easily substitute different pie fillings to suit your taste.
- Effortless Elegance: These cake mix cherry cheesecake bars look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
If you don’t have cherry pie filling on hand, you can try making a homemade version, or even substitute with another fruit filling, like blueberry. Just make sure the consistency is similar.
How to make Easy Cake Mix Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Cake mix cherry cheesecake makes every moment feel lush. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
Chef’s Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crust into an even layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Spread evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese completely for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don’t overbake the bars. The cheesecake layer should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool the bars completely before cutting for clean slices.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing twist, serve them with a glass of lemonade or iced tea. You could also pair these with Sausage McGriddle Muffins for a full brunch spread! Check out the recipe here.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These bars are best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different size pan?
Using a different size pan will affect the thickness of the bars and the baking time. A smaller pan will result in thicker bars and may require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will result in thinner bars and may require a shorter baking time. Keep a close eye on the bars while baking and adjust the time as needed.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as white cake mix or chocolate cake mix, to create unique variations of these bars. The crust recipe for this Christmas Salad Recipe works well with many flavors. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
These Easy Cake Mix Cherry Cheesecake Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Easy Cake Mix Cherry Cheesecake Bars
These Cake Mix Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion! A buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet cherry pie filling, all made easy with a cake mix! These bars are incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or a weeknight treat. The combination of the rich, smooth cheesecake and the bright, fruity cherry topping is simply irresistible. Plus, using a cake mix makes the crust preparation a breeze!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Spread evenly.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together. You can also substitute other pie fillings, such as blueberry or apple, for the cherry pie filling. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg