If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine the perfect combination of tangy cream cheese, juicy strawberries, and a sweet cake topping that all come together in one pan—no fancy techniques or multiple bowls required. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or anytime you want a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that please the eye and the palate. From the vibrant strawberry pie filling to the creamy richness of the softened cream cheese, these ingredients come together effortlessly to transform into something really special.
- Strawberry cake mix: Provides a sweet, fruity base that crisps nicely on top for a perfect finish.
- Strawberry pie filling: Adds juicy, luscious strawberry chunks that keep every bite bursting with berry goodness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings that classic cheesecake tang and creamy texture that makes this dessert irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the cake topping bakes up golden brown and delightfully rich.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer gently, balancing the tartness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream and fresh strawberries add a fresh, elegant garnish to your creation.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep step ensures that your delicious layers won’t stick and that cleanup is a breeze. A well-greased pan makes all the difference when it comes to serving your dump cake.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Evenly distribute the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer will act as the juicy, flavorful base, giving every bite a sweet and fruity punch. Spreading it evenly is key so that every forkful has that signature burst of strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined. This luscious layer adds a tangy, smooth richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Carefully spoon the cream cheese layer on top of the strawberry filling, spreading it out evenly. This is the moment your dessert starts to take shape into its delightful cheesecake form. The even layer ensures a perfect balance between creamy and fruity in every slice.
Step 5: Add the Dry Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This dry topping will bake into a slightly crisp, golden crust that beautifully contrasts with the soft layers underneath—giving you that irresistible texture combination.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. This crucial step helps the cake mix bake into a golden, buttery crust that adds richness and depth to the dessert. Don’t rush this part—try to cover the top as evenly as possible to get that perfect golden finish.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the edges are bubbling with the strawberry filling peeking through. The aroma at this stage is almost impossible to resist!
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving so the layers can set. For an extra special treat, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving. These garnishes add freshness and a touch of elegance that make every bite feel like a celebration.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream and fresh strawberries are the perfect toppings to finish off your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. The whipped cream brings a light, airy creaminess that balances the density of the cake, while the fresh strawberries add a juicy, natural sweetness and a pop of color that makes any serving look irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that’s hard to beat with this dessert. It melts over warm portions of the strawberry cheesecake dump cake, creating a dreamy mix of temperatures and textures. For something a touch lighter, a simple fresh fruit salad or a minty lemonade can complement the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear glass jars or parfait dishes to show off the layers. Another great idea is to crumble leftover cake over vanilla yogurt for a quick and delicious breakfast treat. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce for an even more decadent presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps the cheesecake layer stay firm and fresh, and it tastes just as good reheated or cold. Be sure to re-cover it properly to avoid drying out the top crust.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes really well if you want to make it ahead or save leftovers for later. Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn, and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe back to warm perfection, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the golden crust and soft layers, making it taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit fillings besides strawberry?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with strawberry, you can experiment with cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry pie fillings for delicious variations. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same for the perfect balance.
Do I need to cream the butter with the cake mix?
Nope! Unlike traditional cakes, the butter is simply melted and drizzled over the dry cake mix in this dump cake recipe. This method creates a crisp, buttery topping without the extra mixing or fuss.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and check that your pie filling is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
What is the best way to serve this dessert warm?
Serving the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it especially comforting and indulgent. The melting ice cream complements the fruity and creamy layers perfectly.
How do I ensure the cream cheese layer is smooth?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat it thoroughly until smooth before adding powdered sugar and vanilla to avoid any lumps and achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the perfect blend of quick, easy, and downright delicious—a dessert that feels like a treat but is simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Gather your ingredients, pour, bake, and get ready to impress your friends and family with a slice of sweet, creamy strawberry heaven.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A decadent and easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combining a luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and a moist strawberry cake mix baked to golden perfection. Perfectly topped with butter and optionally garnished with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the juicy base of the cake.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling and spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix over the cream cheese layer for a crumbly, sweet topping.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix to help it bake into a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling hot.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Optionally garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and smoother.
- You can substitute strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries mixed with sugar and cornstarch if preferred.
- For a lower fat option, use light cream cheese and reduce butter amount.
- This recipe does not require any special equipment beyond a baking dish and mixer or whisk.
- Cool cake slightly to allow layers to set before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
