If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. It combines the bright, juicy sweetness of strawberry pie filling with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the comforting crumbly texture of yellow cake mix, all baked together in one glorious dish. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a casual weeknight treat, or just because you deserve a little happiness, this dump cake will quickly become one of your favorites. The simplicity of dumping and layering ingredients means you spend less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe means gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a key role. From the buttery cake topping that crisps up beautifully to the luscious cream cheese layer that adds richness, every element brings its own magic to the final dessert.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the crunchy, golden topping and is the base that holds everything together.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz can): Adds juicy bursts of fruity sweetness and a lovely red color throughout the cake.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings a tangy creaminess that mimics classic cheesecake texture in bite-sized pockets.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer for that perfect balance with the tart strawberries.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Pours over the dry cake mix to create that irresistible golden crunch on top.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake layer, elevating the entire flavor profile.
- Optional – Fresh strawberries: For fresh garnish that boosts both flavor and visual appeal.
- Optional – Whipped cream: A light, airy topping that pairs perfectly with each decadent serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by spreading the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This fruity foundation ensures every bite bursts with that familiar, sweet strawberry flavor you love. Don’t worry about perfect spreading—just let it cover the bottom layer evenly.
Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The smoothness here is key—it guarantees those luscious pockets of cheesecake goodness throughout your cake. Then, drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberry pie filling layer. Don’t fret if it looks patchy; those little dollops bake into irresistible pockets of tangy creaminess.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This dry layer might look a little rough right now, but trust that it’s about to turn into a crispy, golden crust with the addition of butter.
Step 4: Pour the Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix layer. Take your time to cover as much surface area as possible. This step basically bakes the cake topping to a golden, crispy perfection that contrasts beautifully with the soft layers underneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let it cool just slightly so the layers set and you can dig in without burning your mouth.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe look as stunning as it tastes, top each serving with fresh sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. The fresh berries add brightness and a juicy texture contrast, while whipped cream lends a light, creamy touch that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this dessert at a gathering, consider pairing it with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprig of fresh mint on the side. The cold creaminess of ice cream is a classic match, perfectly balancing the warm, fruity cake, and mint adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try turning this dump cake into parfaits. Layer spoonfuls of the baked cake with extra whipped cream and fresh strawberries in clear glasses. It’s a beautiful way to showcase the layers and makes portion control a breeze when serving a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for prepping dessert in advance.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual portions or the whole dish securely in freezer-safe wrap and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds. The cake’s texture softens up nicely while still holding that delightful cheesecake and strawberry combination.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While fresh strawberries add a lovely flavor, the canned strawberry pie filling provides a thicker, syrupy texture that helps hold the dessert together and create that characteristic gooey layer. If using fresh, try cooking them down with sugar to mimic that effect.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese beforehand?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it easier to mix smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, ensuring the cheesecake pockets bake evenly and have a silky texture rather than lumps.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another flavor?
You could experiment with white cake mix or even spice cake for an interesting twist, but yellow cake mix gives the ideal balance of flavor and texture to complement the strawberry and cheesecake layers.
What type of pan is best to use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, giving enough room for the layers to spread evenly and bake thoroughly. Glass or metal pans can both be used depending on your preference.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, look for dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, and use a vegan cake mix if available. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly but it can still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is pure comfort in every forkful, delivering that perfect combination of tangy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic dessert to keep in your baking repertoire whenever you want to wow friends or treat yourself to something truly delightful. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to cake for all occasions.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry pie filling, all topped with a moist yellow cake mix. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a special occasion, it requires minimal preparation and yields a crowd-pleasing cake with a luscious texture and vibrant taste.
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 Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your chosen baking dish to create a fruity foundation for the cake.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture over the strawberry pie filling in an irregular pattern. This creates delightful cheesecake pockets throughout the cake.
- Add the Cake Layer: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire surface, covering the cream cheese dollops and strawberry filling completely.
- Pour Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix to ensure it bakes moist and golden.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake layers look set and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- This dump cake is best served slightly warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Feel free to substitute with other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or cherry for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle some chopped nuts or coconut flakes over the cake mix before drizzling butter.
