If you’re looking for a dessert that effortlessly combines the luscious flavors of strawberries and creamy cheesecake without hours of prep or fancy techniques, you’ve found it: the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is pure magic in a pan. This recipe is a delightful shortcut to a sensational dessert that boasts a golden crust, a rich cream cheese layer, and a juicy strawberry filling, all baked together into one irresistibly tender treat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a sweet, homely indulgence, this dump cake is as simple as it is stunning, making it an instant favorite for every season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to make a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the creamy tang of the cheesecake layer or the bright burst of strawberry pie filling.
- White or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Acts as a crisp, fluffy topping that bakes into a golden crust with a mild sweetness.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz): Provides juicy, fruity flavor and moisture that soaks into the cake for a perfectly balanced dessert.
- Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: Gives the cheesecake layer that rich, velvety texture and signature tang.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it’s smooth and luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a layer of warm, comforting flavor that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup), melted: Drizzled atop the cake mix to create a golden, buttery finish and help it bake evenly.
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and helps achieve easy serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Fill with Strawberry
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so the cake doesn’t stick. Then pour the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish, creating a juicy, sweet base that will bubble up as it bakes, infusing every bite with bright strawberry flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This layer will add rich creaminess and a slight tang that perfectly complements the strawberries and cake topping.
Step 3: Layer the Cream Cheese Dollops
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, spacing them out so it bakes into pockets of creamy bliss throughout the dessert. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly—those rustic dollops create delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix and Drizzle Butter
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, resisting the urge to stir it in. This dry topping will transform into a crisp, golden crust. Next, drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible to help it bake up beautifully and evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The rich aroma filling your kitchen is your cue that it’s nearly ready to enjoy. Let it cool slightly so it sets up just enough for easy serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream is the classic way to serve this dessert, adding a cool contrast to the warm cake. For extra flair, sprinkle some freshly chopped strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top – it not only looks stunning but adds fresh brightness.
Side Dishes
This cake is so rich and flavorful it often steals the spotlight on its own, but if you want to round out your dessert table, consider serving it alongside light herbal teas, coffee, or a crisp glass of sparkling wine. Fresh fruit salad on the side can also balance the indulgence while keeping the strawberry theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars for personalized portions that make dessert feel extra special. Layering a bit of extra fresh strawberries between spoonfuls can also create a visually stunning trifle effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this cake, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen over a day or two, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dessert longer, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving chilled for an easy dessert option whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through. Add a scoop of ice cream after reheating for an extra luscious treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries add wonderful texture and brightness, but since they contain more water, you might want to slightly reduce other liquid elements or add a thickener like cornstarch to maintain the perfect consistency.
What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?
Regular full-fat cream cheese is ideal for that creamy, rich texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the sugar and vanilla.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for a gluten-free white or yellow cake mix and confirm the pie filling is also gluten-free. This swap keeps the dessert accessible without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I prepare this dump cake a day in advance?
You can assemble it the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh before serving. This helps save time on busy days and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Why is it called a “dump cake”?
The name comes from the simplicity of the assembly: you literally dump the ingredients into the dish without mixing, making it a quick and easy way to create a delicious cake with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe — it’s one of those magical desserts that feels both cozy and special no matter the occasion. With its juicy, creamy, and buttery layers, it delivers a burst of strawberry bliss wrapped in a golden, tender crust. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone who loves easy, homemade sweets. Once you do, this cake will surely become a beloved staple you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake and fluffy cake mix. This no-mix, layered cake is baked to golden perfection and is perfect for gatherings or a simple family treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Additional
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add Strawberry Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Layer Cream Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling layer without mixing it in to create a marbled effect.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer without stirring. This dry layer will bake to a cakey topping.
- Top with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, trying to cover as much surface as possible which will help the cake topping bake crispy and golden.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- You can add fresh sliced strawberries on top or mixed in with the pie filling for added texture and freshness.
- For a richer flavor profile, substitute the white or yellow cake mix with a butter cake mix.
