If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake all baked together in one simple dish. What makes this recipe so irresistible is how effortlessly the ingredients come together to create a luscious, comforting treat that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, you didn’t. Whether you’re whipping it up for a last-minute gathering or a special family dessert, this cake is guaranteed to wow everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be basic, but each one plays a starring role in bringing the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe to life. From the sweet tartness of the strawberry filling to the rich creaminess of the cheesecake, every component adds layers of flavor and texture making the final result pure magic.
- Strawberry pie filling: Adds natural sweetness and juicy strawberry bursts throughout the cake.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings smooth, creamy richness that balances the fruity brightness perfectly.
- White or yellow cake mix: Provides a light, tender crumb that crisps beautifully on top.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses warmth and moisture, helping the cake mix bake into golden perfection.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the flavors with a subtle sweet aroma and helps blend the cheesecake topping.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, setting the stage for that perfect golden crust you’ll love.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour and spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This juicy foundation is where the magic starts, giving your cake those gorgeous pockets of fruity sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Dollops
Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the strawberry layer. For a little extra flavor, mix the cream cheese with vanilla extract before dolloping—it adds a subtle, delightful fragrance. These creamy blobs melt during baking, creating luscious pockets of cheesecake goodness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix right over the cream cheese and strawberries. This simple step creates the cake’s tender, crumbly topping that beautifully contrasts with the creamy and fruity layers below.
Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. The butter moistens the dry mix, allowing it to bake into a crispy, golden crust that’s the perfect finishing touch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dump cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma—it’s truly like strawberry and cheesecake heaven coming together all at once.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your cake cool slightly. This helps it set just enough so you can serve neat, but it’s equally delicious warm or chilled—go ahead and savor it whichever way you prefer!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish takes this dessert from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream all add an extra pop of color and texture. Even a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers can add a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic combo, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent. For a lighter touch, a simple fresh fruit salad complements the dessert’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe in individual ramekins topped with mint leaves for a charming presentation. Alternatively, layer it in a clear trifle bowl with extra whipped cream and fresh berries for a show-stopping dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the baked cake well with plastic wrap and foil, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it lightly before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. You can also warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Just watch closely to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible and works wonderfully with cherry, blueberry, or even mixed berry pie fillings. Each fruit option gives the cake a whole new flavor profile to enjoy.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it easier to drop in spoonfuls and helps it bake into creamy pockets without lumps, giving your dump cake the perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so your dump cake will come out just as delicious.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
It’s fantastic both warm and chilled. Warm serving brings out the melty cheesecake and buttery crust, while chilled slices have a firmer texture—either way, it’s a winner!
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Yes! Chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or even shredded coconut sprinkled on top before baking add a lovely crunch and layer of flavor that pair nicely with the strawberries and cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how easy yet impressive the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe is. It’s one of those recipes that feels homemade and heartfelt without requiring heaps of effort. I hope you try making it soon and see just how many smiles a simple dump cake can create around your table. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓 Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously simple Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combining sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cream cheese, and moist cake mix effortlessly baked into a golden, bubbly dessert. Perfect for quick gatherings or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Cake Topping
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish for a juicy base.
- Add Cream Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese, optionally mixed with vanilla extract, evenly over the strawberry filling to create creamy pockets.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry white or yellow cake mix over the cream cheese and filling layers for the crumbly topping.
- Pour Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible to help it bake golden and moist.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you see bubbly edges indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm for gooey texture or chilled for a firmer slice.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to make dropping easier.
- Vanilla extract in cream cheese layer is optional but adds a lovely flavor.
- Serve warm for a melty, gooey dessert or chilled for firmer slices.
- This dump cake requires no mixing—just layer and bake!
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
