If you’re looking for an easy dessert that delivers big on flavor, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is exactly what you need! With layers of creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and a buttery cake topping, this dessert is perfect for a family gathering, potluck, or even a cozy night at home. Best of all? It’s as easy as dump, layer, and bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: True to its name, you just dump the ingredients into a baking dish—no mixing bowls required!
- Cheesecake Flavor: The creamy cheesecake layer takes this dump cake to the next level.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a festive party dessert, this cake is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or white cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced, for garnish—optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting—optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling and gently spread it out as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Do not mix!
Step 3: Add the Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire dish, ensuring as much of the dry cake mix is covered as possible. (It’s okay if a few dry spots remain; they’ll bake up crispy and delicious.)
- If desired, sprinkle a few slices of fresh strawberries on top for added texture and presentation.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set up a bit and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for added color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Don’t Mix the Layers: Resist the urge to mix the layers together! The magic of a dump cake is in the distinct layers that bake together beautifully.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try swapping the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or even peach for a fun twist.
Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow or white for a rich, chocolate-strawberry flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the top before baking for a crunchy texture.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While fresh strawberries are delicious, this recipe works best with strawberry pie filling because of its syrupy consistency. If using fresh strawberries, you might want to cook them down with sugar to create a similar texture.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cake and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best results.
4. What other toppings work well with this cake?
Beyond whipped cream and ice cream, you can drizzle the cake with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even a tangy lemon glaze for added depth of flavor.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert. With its creamy cheesecake layer, juicy strawberries, and buttery cake topping, it’s a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but only you’ll know how easy it was! Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try it today and enjoy the sweet, fruity, and creamy goodness in every bite!
