Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the light, fluffy texture of cake, then look no further! This Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a sweet craving at home. With the delicious tang of cream cheese and the sweetness of cherry pie filling, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy your cheesecake cravings without the lengthy process of traditional cheesecake. The vibrant cherry topping adds a pop of color and flavor, making it not only delicious but visually appealing too. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your tastes.
What We’re Using
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces) – The star of our cake, adding a burst of flavor and color.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) – Provides that creamy cheesecake texture we all adore.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (13.25 ounces) – The base of our cake; quick and easy!
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer – For beating the cream cheese and sugar together.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan – The perfect size for this cake.
- Spatula – To spread the cheesecake layer evenly.
- Oven – Preheat to ensure even baking.
- Cooling Rack – Allows the cake to cool down properly.
Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure that your Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar together. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well combined and free of lumps.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a separate large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is moist and forms a batter. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; you don’t want to overmix.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly. Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, spreading it gently to create an even layer. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing it out as best as you can.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the cake batter. You can create patterns or simply dollop it over the cake; the cherries will sink slightly as it bakes, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be a lovely golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake!
Quick Replacement Ideas
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based butter.
- Fruit Topping Variation: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or any fruit filling you prefer.
- Lower Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the sugar amount to suit your dietary needs.
What Not to Do
To ensure the best results with your Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t skip the room temperature cream cheese; it blends better and creates a smoother filling.
- Avoid overmixing the cake batter; this can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
- Do not open the oven door while the cake is baking; this can cause it to sink in the middle.
- Make sure to let the cake cool properly before cutting into it to prevent it from falling apart.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- For best flavor and texture, enjoy the cake within a few days of making it.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for your favorite fruit filling, such as blueberry or peach.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with the cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Keep Cooking
- Chocolate Lava Cake – A rich and gooey dessert that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
- Lemon Blueberry Muffins – Bright, refreshing muffins perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Classic Banana Bread – A moist and flavorful bread that’s great for using up ripe bananas.
- Peanut Butter Cookies – Soft and chewy cookies that are simple to make and utterly delicious.
Final Thoughts
Creating an Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake is a breeze, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. With its creamy texture, vibrant cherry topping, and the delightful combination of cake and cheesecake, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of this Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake!
Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix and melted butter, stirring until moist to form a batter.
- Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over it, then pour the remaining cake batter on top.
- Step 5: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top of the batter.
- Step 6: Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
- Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
