If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s unfussy yet downright irresistible, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert. It’s one of those recipes that deliver maximum flavor for minimal effort: think juicy strawberries, pockets of creamy cheesecake, and a golden buttery cake topping all in one bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply want to make an ordinary evening feel a bit more special, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake hits all the right notes and requires no fancy skills—just a love for comfort food and a sweet tooth!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how effortlessly these simple ingredients come together to create something unexpectedly delightful. Each component plays a starring role, bringing the textures and flavors of classic cheesecake and homemade strawberry shortcake together in the easiest way imaginable.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 21-ounce can): This is the sweet and fruity base that brings juicy flavor and beautiful color to every slice.
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened and cubed): Scattered throughout, these rich cubes add luscious, tangy pockets just like a cheesecake swirl.
- Yellow cake mix (1 15.25-ounce box): Don’t mix it—just sprinkle! It magically transforms into a tender, golden topping with almost zero effort.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Pour this over the cake mix to create that iconic crisp top and buttery flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses your cake with that unmistakable homemade bakery aroma—don’t skip it if you want deep vanilla flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup, optional): If you have a serious sweet tooth or slightly tart berries, a sprinkle here ups the decadence.
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream (for garnish): These finishing touches make each serving as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes serving those gorgeous layers so much easier.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure to get it all the way into the corners, so every piece bursts with sweet strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Dot the softened cream cheese cubes all over the strawberry layer. These rich, tangy bites will melt into dreamy cheesecake pockets as the cake bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Flavor Boosters
Drizzle the vanilla extract across the cream cheese and, if you want a little extra sweetness, scatter the granulated sugar over everything. This step is your secret weapon for that irresistible flavor combo.
Step 5: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Pour the dry yellow cake mix right over the top—don’t stir! Use a spoon or your hands to spread it evenly, ensuring complete coverage so every bite gets that classic cake texture.
Step 6: Drizzle the Butter
Take your melted butter and evenly drizzle it over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to hit as much of the topping as you can—these buttery spots will turn into crispy, golden magic during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top, bubbling edges, and irresistible wafts of strawberry and vanilla. Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes; that brief wait makes slicing and serving easier and allows the layers to set up beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake look positively bakery-worthy. Slices of fresh strawberries on top add a burst of color and a juicy contrast to the rich filling, while a generous dollop of whipped cream brings that extra sense of indulgence. For a playful twist, you can sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or even a few graham cracker crumbles to hint at classic cheesecake flavors.
Side Dishes
This dump cake shines brightest with light, refreshing sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is pure heaven, melting into the warm strawberry and cheesecake filling. If you’re feeling fancy, serve alongside fresh berries, a mint sprig, or a zippy fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
While a rustic scoop-and-serve is always in style for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you could also layer scoops into parfait glasses for a party-ready treat. Cupcake liners in a muffin tin work great for portioned servings at potlucks, or try baking individual portions in ramekins for an extra special touch. A drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed cookies can amp up the wow-factor for holidays or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cooled Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors blend even more beautifully after a night in the fridge, and the texture remains deliciously moist and creamy.
Freezing
This cake freezes like a champ! Let the cake cool completely, then spoon individual servings or the whole cake into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge—perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes. A quick reheat softens the cream cheese and revives the cakey topping, making your leftovers taste almost like new!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pie filling in this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Absolutely! While strawberry is a showstopper, you can swap in cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling for a fun twist. Each fruit brings its own personality, so feel free to customize based on what you love or what’s in your pantry.
Does it matter if I use salted or unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it—the crust may have a slightly more pronounced flavor, but most people won’t even notice. Unsalted butter keeps the flavors balanced, which is why it’s the classic choice for desserts.
Should the cream cheese be fully softened before adding?
It’s best to let your cream cheese come to room temperature and cut it into small cubes. This way, it melts evenly into luscious, creamy pockets throughout the cake, instead of staying in one spot or getting rubbery.
What’s the secret to getting a golden, crispy top?
The key is to drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix. Aim to cover as much as you can, since any dry patches won’t crisp up as nicely. Don’t stir; just pour and bake for perfectly golden results.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the unbaked dump cake a few hours in advance—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, bake it a day ahead and warm before serving. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
When you need a dessert that’s effortlessly delicious and guaranteed to impress, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake truly delivers. Give it a try the next time you crave something sweet and rewarding—after one bite, you’ll see why this treat deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a heavenly dessert that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and buttery cake mix. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and will impress your family and friends with its rich taste.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
For garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the filling. Sprinkle sugar and vanilla extract over the top.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix over everything, covering the fruit and cream cheese. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- You can use cherry or blueberry pie filling as alternatives.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
