Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Cherry Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. With just a few pantry staples, this dessert delivers layers of buttery cake crust, rich and creamy cheesecake, and a vibrant cherry topping that brings sweetness and color to every bite.
They’re ideal for family gatherings, bake sales, or whenever you want something that feels homemade and special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
These bars are not just easy to make—they’re a comforting, shareable treat that everyone will love.
Why People Will Love These Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Incredibly simple, yet tastes homemade and impressive
It uses only a few basic ingredients, but the final result feels like a bakery-style dessert.
Perfect balance of textures
A soft, buttery cake crust pairs beautifully with the smooth, creamy cheesecake layer and the juicy cherry topping.
Quick to prepare, ideal for busy schedules
You can mix and bake it in minutes, making it a reliable go-to dessert for any occasion.
A crowd-pleaser for all ages
Kids love the sweet cherry topping, and adults appreciate the rich cheesecake flavor.
Customizable with different fruit fillings
You can easily switch cherries for blueberry, peach, or apple to match the season or your taste.
Great for gatherings, holidays, or gifting
These bars cut neatly into squares, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, and homemade gifts.
Rich and satisfying without being overly complicated
It gives you that indulgent cheesecake experience in an easy-to-serve bar form.
Make-ahead friendly
They taste even better after chilling, so you can prepare them in advance and serve stress-free.
Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
The vibrant cherry topping makes the bars look elegant and festive on any dessert table.
Comfort food with a nostalgic feel
It’s a warm, familiar dessert that reminds people of family kitchens and classic American sweets.
Key Ingredients
Yellow Cake Mix
This creates a soft, buttery crust that’s lightly sweet and perfectly sturdy to hold the creamy cheesecake layer.
Cream Cheese
The heart of the recipe—rich, smooth, and slightly tangy, giving these bars their classic cheesecake flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cherry Pie Filling
Adds a vibrant, fruity sweetness and beautiful glossy topping that makes each bite feel indulgent and festive.
Unsalted Butter
Blends with the cake mix to form a tender, golden crust with deep, comforting flavor.
Egg
Helps bind the crust together and gives the cheesecake layer its luscious, velvety consistency.
Salt
A small pinch that enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors, bringing balance to the dessert.
Expert Tips
Use room-temperature cream cheese
Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps, giving you that silky cheesecake layer.
Don’t overmix the crust
Stir just until crumbly. Overmixing makes the base dense instead of tender.
Press the crust firmly and evenly
A well-packed base ensures clean slices and prevents crumbling when you lift the bars.
Line the baking dish with parchment paper
This makes removing and cutting the bars effortless—especially helpful for gifting or parties.
Bake just until the center is set
The middle should jiggle slightly when you shake the pan. Overbaking can dry out the cheesecake layer.
Cool completely before chilling
Let the bars reach room temperature, then refrigerate. This prevents condensation and keeps the texture smooth.
Chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best)
Proper chilling helps the layers firm up so you get perfect, neat squares.
Add extra cherries for a more decadent topping
The fruit layer can be slightly thicker for a more luxurious, bakery-style finish.
For a lighter texture, fold whipped cream into the cream cheese
This gives a mousse-like cheesecake layer that feels airy yet rich.
Want a crunchier crust?
Bake the crust alone for 5 minutes before spreading the cream cheese layer.
For a glossy finish, brush the cherry topping with a little warmed apricot jam
It gives a professional, polished look.
Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
The 3 Main Ingredients
Yellow cake mix — 1 box (18.25 oz), classic variety recommended
Cream cheese — 1 (8 oz) block, softened (full-fat for best texture)
Cherry pie filling — 1 can (21 oz) (blueberry, apple, or peach may be substituted)
Pantry Staples
Unsalted butter — ½ cup (1 stick), melted
Large egg — 1
Salt — a small pinch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust and Cheesecake Layer
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8×8-inch glass baking dishes, or one 9×13-inch dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir just until a crumbly dough forms.
Press half of the mixture into each prepared dish (or all of it into a 9×13 pan), creating an even base.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Spread it evenly over the crust layer.
2. Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently while leaving a small border around the edges.
For a decorative touch, lightly swirl the cherries into the cream cheese using a knife.
3. Bake Until Set
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is just set.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to ensure clean, neat slices.
4. Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and, if desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
These bars are perfect for sharing—wrap a pan with a ribbon or include a note for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Important Notes When Making Cherry Cheesecake Bars
This recipe is designed for convenience and consistency
Using a cake mix as the crust base ensures reliable results, even for beginner bakers.
Full-fat cream cheese is essential
It creates the proper creamy, stable texture. Low-fat versions may turn watery and not set well.
The crust should be crumbly, not smooth
If it feels too wet or doughy, add a tablespoon of extra cake mix to correct the texture.
Do not skip chilling time
Refrigeration is what transforms the bars from soft to sliceable. They need to be fully cold before cutting.
Glass baking dishes are strongly recommended
They distribute heat more evenly and help prevent overbrowning on the edges.
Avoid spreading the cherry filling too close to the edges
Leaving a small border prevents the topping from bubbling over and burning during baking.
These bars will continue to firm up as they cool
Even if they look slightly soft out of the oven, they will set properly after chilling.
For best flavor, serve cold or slightly chilled
The cheesecake layer tastes richer and more refreshing when fully cooled.
This is a versatile base recipe
You can easily swap the fruit filling or even add chocolate chips or nuts for creative variations.
Perfect for make-ahead desserts
The flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge, making them ideal for parties and meal prep.
How to Enjoy Cherry Cheesecake Bars After Cooking
Let Them Fully Set
After baking, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight is best). This step is crucial for achieving clean, firm slices and the perfect cheesecake texture.
Slice for the Best Presentation
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This helps you create neat, bakery-style squares. For a more elegant look, cut them into smaller bite-sized bars for parties or dessert platters.
Serve Chilled for Maximum Flavor
These bars taste best when served cold or slightly chilled. The cream cheese layer becomes smooth and creamy, and the cherry topping stays glossy and fresh.
Add Optional Finishes
Enhance the flavor and appearance with simple touches like:
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh cherries or mint leaves for garnish
Pair with Your Favorite Drinks
These bars go beautifully with:
- Coffee or espresso
- Sweet iced tea
- Milk for kids
- A dessert wine or sparkling drink for special occasions
Perfect for Sharing or Gifting
Wrap slices individually for bake sales or pack a full tray with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. They hold up well and look festive for holidays or celebrations.
Store for Later Enjoyment
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in parchment and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition Information
Values are estimated per serving, assuming 16 bars from a 9×13 pan.
Calories: 280 kcal | Total Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 45 mg | Sodium: 320–380 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 34 g | Dietary Fiber: 1 g | Sugars: 20 g | Protein: 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different fruit filling instead of cherries?
Absolutely. This recipe works beautifully with blueberry, apple, peach, or even strawberry pie filling. Simply swap the cherries for your preferred flavor while keeping the same quantity.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?
The edges should look lightly golden, and the center should be just set with a slight jiggle. If the middle is still very loose, bake for a few more minutes, but avoid overbaking to keep the texture creamy.
Do I really need to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling is essential. Refrigerating the bars for at least 2 hours allows the cheesecake layer to firm up, making it much easier to cut clean, even squares.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. They’re actually better when made a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, and slice just before serving for the freshest presentation.
How should I store leftovers, and can they be frozen?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in parchment and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. If you’re short on time, microwave it for 10–15 seconds — just until soft, not melted.
Why is my crust mixture too dry or too wet?
If it’s too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk or melted butter. If it’s too wet and sticky, mix in a tablespoon of extra cake mix until it becomes crumbly.
Should I pre-bake the crust before adding the cream cheese layer?
You can, especially if you prefer a firmer base. Bake the crust alone for 5 minutes, then spread the cream cheese and topping before continuing with the full baking time.
How do I prevent the cherry topping from sinking into the cheesecake layer?
Spread the cream cheese smoothly and evenly first, then gently spoon the cherry filling on top without pressing down. A light hand keeps the layers distinct.
What’s the secret to getting clean, professional-looking slices?
Let the bars cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. This keeps the layers neat and defined.