If dessert could be summed up in a single word, it might just be “comfort,” and that’s exactly what you get with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This recipe is the ultimate solution for anyone craving the decadent flavors of cheesecake and the sweet tang of strawberries, but without the fuss of traditional baking. With layers of luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and golden cake, every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this is the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that makes weeknights and special occasions feel a little more magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how delightfully simple the ingredient list is. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich cream cheese to the vibrant strawberries, coming together to create a dessert that looks and tastes far more impressive than the effort required.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 21-ounce can): This brings a burst of fruity sweetness and a gorgeous pink color to the base of the cake.
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened and cubed): The heart of the cheesecake layer, ensuring a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet berries.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese so the cheesecake layer is perfectly balanced.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and aroma, tying together the flavors in the cream cheese mixture.
- Yellow cake mix (1 15.25-ounce box): The magic shortcut for a golden, tender topping that makes this a true dump cake.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Helps brown and crisp the top layer, infusing it with rich, buttery flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): Sprinkle on top for color and a juicy burst of freshness.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect finishing touch for serving, adding cool creaminess to every warm bite.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake won’t stick and you’ll get those dreamy, easy-to-scoop layers in every serving.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the sweet, juicy base of your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake and ensures every bite is packed with luscious fruit flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps; they’ll melt into delicious pockets as the cake bakes. Dollop this creamy mixture over the strawberry filling—no need to spread it perfectly, as it will swirl together in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. This “dump” step is what makes the recipe so wonderfully simple—no mixing required!
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter and Fresh Strawberries
Pour the melted butter as evenly as you can over the surface of the cake mix, trying to moisten most of the powder. If you’re using fresh strawberries, scatter them on top for an extra pop of color and berry flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with strawberry goodness. Let your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool slightly before serving—this helps it set up just enough to scoop easily while still enjoying it warm.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake look absolutely irresistible. Try a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra chopped strawberries or a few mint leaves for a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is pretty rich and flavorful on its own, keep side dishes light and simple. A platter of fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or even a few shortbread cookies make wonderful accompaniments without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve the cake in individual jars or parfait glasses for a portable, picture-perfect treat. If you want to elevate things for a special dinner, try drizzling each serving with a little chocolate or strawberry sauce, or nestle a slice on top of a pool of sweetened crème fraîche. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is flexible enough to impress in any setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making those next-day bites extra delicious.
Freezing
This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Once completely cooled, cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm again, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add your favorite topping and enjoy as if it was freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, you can swap in cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling for a fun twist on this dump cake recipe. Each variation brings its own unique flavor and color.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to leave your cream cheese out, simply unwrap it and microwave it in 10-second bursts until just soft. You want it smooth and spreadable but not melted.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Lemon cake mix adds a tangy brightness that pairs beautifully with strawberries, but white or even strawberry cake mix will work if that’s what you have on hand. Each option brings a slightly different twist to your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries on top?
The fresh strawberries are totally optional, but they do add extra juiciness and a beautiful look. If you’re short on time or berries, the cake will still be delicious without them.
Can I make this dessert ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the cake up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for a fresh-out-of-the-oven treat.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly hard to beat the simplicity and wow-factor of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to satisfy a weeknight sweet tooth, this recipe promises maximum flavor for minimum effort. I can’t wait for you to try it—get ready for rave reviews and maybe even a new family tradition!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a brilliantly simple and delightful dessert combining the sweet tartness of strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake, all topped with a moist, buttery cake layer. Perfect for any occasion, this easy dump cake requires minimal prep and yields a luscious treat that’s best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries (optional)
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Layer
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Strawberry Filling: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using fresh strawberries, sprinkle them on top of the pie filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Dollop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture evenly over the strawberry layer in the baking dish.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake dollops, covering as much of the surface as possible but leaving some gaps for butter to seep through.
- Pour the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, ensuring it moistens most of the dry mix to achieve that perfect moist and golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly, signaling that the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set. Serve warm for best flavor and texture, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For a tangier twist, substitute the yellow cake mix with lemon cake mix.
- You can swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry or blueberry pie filling for delicious variations.
- Adding fresh strawberries on top is optional but adds freshness and extra strawberry flavor.
- This cake is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
