“A party staple: only 3 ingredients, and I’ve made it so often I don’t even measure anymore.”

Cheery Cherry Cheesecake Bars

These cherry cheesecake bars bring the warmth of Midwestern kitchens right to your countertop—easy, generous, and full of love. With just three main ingredients (plus a few pantry staples), you get a tender, buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a glossy cherry topping—all without a mixer or stress.

Bonus: this recipe makes enough for two pans—keep one for yourself and share the other.

💛 Why These Bars Are a Winner

• 🍒 Only 3 main ingredients (+ basics from your pantry)
• ⏱️ Ready in under 40 minutes
• 💸 Budget-friendly, under $6 total
• 🥣 One bowl, one pan (or two glass dishes)
• 🌟 Nostalgic, comforting flavors without complicated steps

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✨ Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Yellow cake mix	1 box (18.25 oz)	Classic brands work best
Cream cheese	1 block (8 oz), softened	Full-fat for best texture
Cherry pie filling	1 can (21 oz)	Swap with blueberry, apple, or peach

Pantry Essentials:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• Pinch of salt

💡 Pro Tips

• Full-fat cream cheese ensures a smooth, set cheesecake layer.
• Mix the crust until crumbly; don’t overwork it.
• Glass dishes bake evenly and make gifting easier.

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🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the Base & Cheesecake Layer

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×8-inch glass pans (or one 9×13).
• Stir together cake mix, melted butter, egg, and salt.
• Press half the mixture into each pan (or all into the 9×13).
• Beat cream cheese until smooth and spread evenly over the crust.

2. Top with Cherries

• Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese, leaving a small border.
• Optional: swirl lightly with a knife for a marble effect.

3. Bake

• Bake 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is set.
• Let cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing.

4. Serve & Share

• Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
• Gift one pan with a note or ribbon for an instant smile.

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🍴 Serving Ideas

• ☕ Pair with coffee or iced tea
• 🥛 Chill for kid-friendly snacks or lunchboxes
• 🎉 Perfect for potlucks—serve on a platter with napkins
• 🍦 Indulgent with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Fridge: up to 5 days; flavor improves overnight
• Freeze: slice, wrap in parchment, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge
• Gift tip: add a ribbon and a disposable spatula for easy sharing

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❤️ The Heart of the Recipe
These bars are more than dessert—they’re a simple act of kindness. No need for perfection, just layers of sweetness meant to share.

“The best baking isn’t about fancy ingredients—it’s about having enough to give.” 🍒✨