If you’re craving a dessert that is as simple to make as it is utterly delightful, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is the one to try first. Imagine the perfect marriage of luscious strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake dollops, and a golden, buttery cake topping all baked together to create a warm, comforting treat that’s bursting with flavor. It’s incredibly easy yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family, making it a true go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the sweet, tangy strawberries that add a vibrant splash of color to the rich cream cheese that brings luscious texture, and the buttery cake mix that delivers the perfect crispy top, every component comes together effortlessly.
- Yellow cake mix: A convenient base that bakes into a crispy, golden crust providing that signature crumble.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds a rich, moist finish that makes the cake topping irresistible and perfectly browned.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings creamy richness and smooth texture when blended with sugar and vanilla.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right for balance and depth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and enhances the flavor of the cream cheese blend.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Delivers juicy, vibrant strawberry flavor that’s beautifully sweet with a touch of tartness.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). While waiting, liberally grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick, letting those golden edges release easily for serving.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Filling
Pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of your prepared dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to even it out so every bite has that sweet, fruity pop you’re craving.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until you get a smooth, luscious blend without lumps. This mixture will create those creamy pockets of cheesecake goodness throughout the cake.
Step 4: Add Spoonfuls of Cheesecake Mixture
Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry filling layer. Don’t worry about perfection here – rustic is charming and the variety of pockets will make each piece unique and wonderful.
Step 5: Top with Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese dollops and strawberry filling. Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface. This step seals in moisture and helps develop that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation for about 40 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool and set – this will make it easier to serve and intensify the flavors.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, consider topping each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a few fresh strawberry slices can add texture and a pop of color that makes it even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dessert is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with light sides like a crisp green salad or a tangy citrus sorbet can balance out the richness beautifully, especially after a hearty meal. It can also complement a brunch spread where sweet meets savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the typical square slices. Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in pretty glass dishes or jars for an elegant, single-serve presentation. Layer pieces with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a trifle-inspired dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing any flavor or moisture, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dump cake. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For a warm dessert experience, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place the whole cake in a 325°F oven covered loosely with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This refreshes the texture and flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
While fresh strawberries can be used, they generally lack the thick syrupy consistency of pie filling, which helps the cake hold together. If you do use fresh berries, consider adding a thickener like cornstarch and some extra sugar to mimic the pie filling texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Just make sure the other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe, delicious dessert for gluten-sensitive friends.
Can I add other flavors to the cream cheese mixture?
Absolutely! Adding a hint of lemon zest or a dash of almond extract can brighten and enhance the flavor profile beautifully without overpowering the classic strawberry cheesecake combo.
What’s the best way to cut this cake cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for cleaner cuts. Letting the cake cool fully or refrigerate it slightly before slicing helps the layers set and reduces sticking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Since this dish fits nicely in a 9×13 inch pan, doubling the ingredients would require either a larger pan or two separate pans. Just keep the baking time roughly the same and check for doneness as ovens can vary.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect mix of ease and indulgence that you’ll want to keep in your dessert rotation forever. It strikes that ideal balance between sweet strawberry bliss, creamy cheesecake richness, and buttery cake crunch all in one pan. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple yet spectacular treat!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert that layers strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake mixture and yellow cake mix, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick yet impressive treat, it combines fruity sweetness with rich cheesecake flavor in an easy dump-and-bake recipe.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Add strawberry filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer for your dessert.
- Make cheesecake mixture: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Layer cheesecake mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling, distributing it evenly but it doesn’t need to be perfect.
- Add cake topping: Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer, then drizzle the melted butter on top to moisten the cake mix and help it bake to a crisp, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature for easiest mixing.
- Cooling slightly before serving helps the cake hold together when sliced.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking if desired.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.
