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–+ servings
Cherry Cheesecake
Cherry Cheesecake is a classic mid-century American dessert that blends the convenience of boxed cake mix with the richness of cream cheese for a layered, bakery-style treat. Popular in the 1960s–1980s, recipes like this appeared frequently on handwritten cards and community cookbooks, reflecting a time when home bakers embraced shortcuts without sacrificing flavor. This version features a crumbly cake mix crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a bright cherry pie topping added after baking. The contrast of textures, crisp base, smooth center, and glossy fruit topping, makes it especially appealing for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dessert tables.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 egg
  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 can cherry pie filling

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Crust Mixture

  • Reserve 1 cup of dry cake mix and set aside
  • Combine remaining cake mix with 1 egg and 2 tbsp oil

Step 2: Form Crust

  • Mix until crumbly
  • Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan

Step 3: Make Filling

  • In a bowl, combine reserved cake mix, softened cream cheese, sugar, and 3 eggs

Step 4: Blend Filling

  • Mix at medium speed until smooth
  • Add vanilla and milk

Step 5: Finish Batter

  • Mix at low speed until fully smooth and combined

Step 6: Assemble

  • Pour filling mixture over the prepared crust

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes until set

Step 8: Cool

  • Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely

Step 9: Add Topping

  • Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cake

Step 10: Serve

  • Chill slightly if desired, slice, and serve

Tips

  • Substitute blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different flavor
  • Add a graham cracker crust layer for extra texture
  • Chill overnight for cleaner slices
  • Use low-fat cream cheese to lighten the recipe
  • Add lemon zest for a brighter flavor
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts into the crust mixture
  • Serve with whipped cream for extra richness
  • Drizzle chocolate over the top for a twist

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword cake mix recipe, cherry cheesecake, Cream Cheese, fruit topping, potluck dessert, retro baking, vintage dessert
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