(Makes two 8x8 pans—or one 9x13)
- 1 (18.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (like Betty Crocker)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (or your favorite pie filling: blueberry, apple, peach!)
- Pantry essentials:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Pinch of salt
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use full-fat cream cheese—low-fat won’t set properly.
- Don’t overmix crust—just stir until crumbly.
- Glass dishes = even baking + easy gifting!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Simple, Foolproof, Fast)
1. Make the Crust & Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8x8-inch glass baking dishes (or one 9x13).
- In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Press half the mixture into the bottom of each dish (or all into 9x13).
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth (no lumps!).
- Spread evenly over crust(s).
2. Top with Cherries
- Spoon cherry pie filling over cream cheese layer, leaving a small border.
- Gently swirl with a knife if you like marbled edges (optional).
3. Bake to Perfection
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is just set (a slight jiggle is okay—it firms as it cools).
- Cool completely at room temperature, then chill 2+ hours for clean slices.
4. Serve & Share
- Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Pack one pan in a reusable dish with a note—instant goodwill.
Serving Suggestions
- ☕ Classic: With a cup of strong coffee or sweet iced tea
- 🥛 Kid favorite: Served cold after school or as a lunchbox treat
- 🎉 Potluck ready: On a dessert platter with napkins and a serving spatula
- 🍦 Decadent: With a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days—flavor deepens overnight!
- Freeze: Slice, wrap in parchment, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge.
- Gifting tip: Tie a ribbon around the dish and tuck in a disposable spatula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use gluten-free cake mix?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 GF yellow cake mix—texture holds well.
Q: No cherry pie filling?
A: Try blueberry, peach, or apple—or make a quick topping: simmer 2 cups fresh/frozen fruit + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cornstarch.
Q: Can I make it no-bake?
A: Not really—the crust needs baking to set. But it’s worth it!
Q: Cream cheese layer too thick?
A: Spread it thinly—it puffs slightly when baked.
❤️ The Heart of the Recipe
These bars aren’t just dessert—they’re Midwest kindness in edible form. They’re what you bake when you want to say “I’ve got you” without saying a word. No perfection required—just simple, shareable sweetness.
So grab that cake mix, soften that cream cheese, and spread with generosity. Because the best desserts aren’t fancy—they’re made with three ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
“Good baking doesn’t need a recipe—it just needs enough for two.” 🍒✨
