Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re hunting for a show-stopping dessert that practically guarantees rave reviews without a hint of fuss, look no further than Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s a luscious mashup of tangy cream cheese, juicy strawberry pie filling, and buttery golden cake in every scoop, all assembled in minutes! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and busy families alike, and it never fails to impress at potlucks, birthdays, or “just because” evenings at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it only calls for simple, easily found ingredients, but each one adds undeniable character—richness from the cream cheese, brightness from the berries, and of course, that classic cake layer on top. Every item on this list serves up flavor, texture, and a pop of color that transforms into one delicious bite.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Bursting with fruit, this forms the sweet, gooey base that anchors the entire dessert.
- Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened and cubed): The rich and creamy bites melt into little pockets that mimic classic cheesecake.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides a buttery, golden topping that perfectly complements the tart strawberries below.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the cake mix and helps it bake into a crispy crown—don’t skimp on coverage for the best result.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds irresistible aroma and warmth that ties the cream cheese and fruit together.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): These brighten up the pie filling with a burst of fresh berry flavor and beautiful color.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, optional): For extra sweetness, especially if your strawberries are a tad tart—sprinkle over the fruit before layering the cake mix.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps cleanup easy and ensures every slice lifts out beautifully, with all those magic layers intact.
Step 2: Build the Strawberry Base
Pour the strawberry pie filling into the bottom of your prepared dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. If you’ve opted for fresh strawberries, scatter them on now for extra juicy flavor and irresistible pops of color.
Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Bite
Dot the surface of the filling with cubes of softened cream cheese, making sure they’re nicely spaced. Drizzle vanilla extract over the top—this will infuse every creamy bite with warmth and aroma. For those who like it sweeter, now’s the time to sprinkle on the granulated sugar.
Step 4: Layer on the Cake Mix
Next, reach for your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle the dry contents evenly over the entire dish. Don’t mix it in! The magic of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is that the cake mix bakes right on top, forming a golden, buttery crust as it cooks.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Bake
Carefully drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the cake mix—aim to moisten most of the surface so you get that signature golden, crisp topping. Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top looks set and bubbling, with rich pockets of strawberry peeking through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so the layers can settle into gooey perfection.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
Take your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake over the top with a dollop of billowy whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Dust with powdered sugar or add a flourish of fresh strawberry slices for a fresh, eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
Balance the cake’s sweetness with a side of tart lemon sorbet or a crisp, cold fruit salad. If it’s brunch or a celebratory lunch, pair it with hot coffee or a flute of sparkling rosé for a little extra fun!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve directly from the baking dish for rustic charm or scoop portions into individual ramekins for a more elegant look. For parties, try assembling mini Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake parfaits in glass jars, layering cake, berries, and cream for a show-stealing dessert bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors only improve as they meld overnight!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Once cooled, portion individual servings and wrap them well or store in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, making dessert just a thaw away for busy nights.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another round, gently reheat portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm larger portions in a moderate oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Add your favorite garnishes and it’s as good as new.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Absolutely! While strawberry gives this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake its signature flair, cherry, raspberry, or even blueberry pie fillings are all delicious swaps, so feel free to experiment based on what you have.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese helps it melt smoothly into the cake and creates those rich, creamy pockets throughout. Cold cream cheese won’t blend as well and may stay in firmer chunks.
Should I stir the layers together?
No stirring! For authentic dump cake magic, keep the layers separate—the cake mix bakes into a crusty topping over the creamy, fruity layer below, just as intended.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Simply swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow or white cake mix. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Serve leftovers slightly warmed with a fresh dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. The flavors are even more pronounced the next day, making those extra slices just as crave-worthy!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the combination of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake pieces, and a buttery cake topping—all coming together with barely any effort. If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or even just yourself, give this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a try. It might just become your signature treat!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent and easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightful dessert combines the flavors of strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, and a buttery cake mix for a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the strawberry pie filling in the dish, top with cream cheese, vanilla extract, strawberries, and sugar if desired.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top without stirring.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour melted butter over the cake mix, covering the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For a twist, use strawberry and cream cheese swirled pie filling if available.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
