If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both delightfully simple and irresistibly delicious, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This lovely dessert combines the bright, fruity sweetness of strawberry pie filling with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the golden, crisp texture of yellow cake mix. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, all built on a kitchen hack that saves you time without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each one brings a unique flavor or texture that makes the final dish so memorable — from the creamy richness of cream cheese to the buttery crunch of the cake topping.
- Yellow cake mix: The dry mix provides a sweet, crumbly topping that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz can): This gives the dessert its luscious, fruity base with plenty of juicy berries.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a smooth and tangy cheesecake layer, creating those delightful pockets of richness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer just enough without overpowering the fresh strawberry flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Ensures the cake topping becomes golden and crisp when baked, adding buttery goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cheesecake mixture with a warm, aromatic depth.
- Optional – fresh strawberries and whipped cream: Perfect for garnishing and adding extra freshness and creaminess when serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Begin by spreading the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This bright and juicy layer will serve as the vibrant fruity foundation for your dump cake, ensuring every bite is bursting with strawberry goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy cheesecake layer will create rich pockets throughout the cake, offering a delightful contrast to the strawberries and crunchy topping.
Step 3: Drop the Cream Cheese Mixture Over Filling
Use a spoon to dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry if it looks uneven—those imperfect pockets of cheesecake are exactly what make this dump cake so charming and delicious!
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese-topped pie filling. This layer will soak up some of the juices but mostly stay light and crumbly, creating that signature dump cake texture.
Step 5: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter slowly and evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving you that golden finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your assembled cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you see the delicious filling bubbling around the edges. The aroma alone will have your whole kitchen feeling cozy.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe truly shine, top it off with fresh strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. These not only add a fresh flare and creamy smoothness but also elevate the presentation, making it irresistible to the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. If you want to balance the sweetness, a small fresh fruit salad on the side can refresh your palate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins or glass jars layered with extra fresh strawberries and mint leaves. It’s a charming way to impress guests and makes portion control a breeze!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next serving even more enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dessert later, freeze fully cooled portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the layers intact and flavorful.
Reheating
Warm leftover dump cake gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds to one minute or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Reheating revives its warm, gooey charm just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used, but you may need to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the consistency and sweetness of pie filling for the perfect texture.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
This recipe uses traditional yellow cake mix, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for a gluten-free cake mix that can substitute directly.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta?
You can substitute mascarpone for a richer taste or ricotta for a lighter texture, but cream cheese provides the classic tang that’s key to this dump cake’s signature flavor.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13 inch baking dish works best for this recipe, allowing the layers to spread evenly and bake perfectly without overflow.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! Mixing in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberry pie filling can add an exciting burst of flavor and extra color to the dump cake.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that combines ease, beauty, and incredible taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to for gatherings and cozy nights alike. Dig in, share generously, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake dollops, and a crunchy yellow cake topping. Perfect for a quick and impressive treat, this cake bakes up moist and flavorful, with the cheesecake pockets melting into the strawberries beneath. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an extra special touch.
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
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Base: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This forms the sweet and juicy foundation of the cake.
- Add the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling. It’s okay if it’s uneven—these creamy pockets create the cake’s signature texture.
- Top with Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire dish, covering the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Then, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to help it bake into a golden, crisp topping.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled dump cake uncovered for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors and presentation. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t stir the layers after assembling; the distinct layers create the delicious texture.
- You can substitute strawberry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for variety.
- This cake is best served within a day or two for optimum freshness.
