Party classic’: Just 3 ingredients

(Makes two 8×8 pans—or one 9×13)

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 8×8-inch glass baking dishes (or one 9×13).

In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, egg, and salt.

Press half the mixture into the bottom of each dish (or all into 9×13).

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.

☕ 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

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.