There’s something truly magical about desserts that combine ease and irresistible flavor, and this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine luscious strawberry pie filling mingled with creamy, dreamy cheesecake flavors, all topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that practically bakes itself. This dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, effortlessly turning simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat you’ll want to make again and again. If you love strawberries and cheesecake, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe calls for a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that beautiful balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. These essentials are what make the cake light yet indulgent, with layers of texture from smooth cream cheese to a crisp, buttery topping.
- Strawberry cake mix: This dry mix creates the perfect crumbly topping that crisps up during baking.
- Strawberry pie filling: Provides juicy, vibrant bursts of strawberry flavor and a syrupy base.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and a smooth tang that complements the strawberries wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled over the cake mix to ensure a golden, moist crust with a subtle buttery aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer evenly without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, inviting notes.
- Optional toppings (whipped cream and fresh strawberries): Perfect for adding a light, fresh finish and extra strawberry goodness when serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the cake won’t stick and comes out cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Evenly spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of your prepared dish. This juicy layer will infuse every bite with fresh strawberry sweetness and a lovely, soft texture.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth, then incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This creamy mixture is the luscious middle layer that brings richness and balances the cake’s sweetness.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Over the Filling
Spoon the cream cheese mixture gently over the strawberry pie filling, spreading it evenly to create a smooth, luscious layer that will bake into a slightly tangy cheesecake center.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This forms the delicious crumbly crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling below.
Step 6: Drizzle Melted Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is key for achieving that irresistible golden crust with a buttery flavor and delightful crunch.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your cake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with juicy strawberry goodness.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let the cake cool slightly; this makes it easier to cut and serve. Optionally, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an extra fresh, creamy touch that elevates the dessert experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dollop of whipped cream not only brings a fluffy texture but also complements the fruity tang of the strawberry layers wonderfully. Fresh strawberries on top add a pop of color and an extra juicy burst with every bite—making your presentation as stunning as the taste.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing side like vanilla bean ice cream or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the dessert and keeping the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, layered with extra cream cheese or fresh fruit on top. It’s perfect for gatherings since everyone gets their own personal strawberry cheesecake celebration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the cream cheese layer’s fresh texture and prevents the cake from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake before baking by covering the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until the top is golden and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions gently in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes. This revives the cake’s warmth and gooey texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe shines with strawberry, you can swap in cherry, blueberry, or even mixed berry pie filling for a delicious variation.
Do I have to use boxed cake mix?
Using boxed strawberry cake mix keeps this recipe super simple and reliable, but if you prefer, you could use homemade cake mix or even a yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, you can adapt this recipe to suit dairy-free diets while keeping the flavor delightful.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Softening the cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free layer that will blend perfectly with powdered sugar and vanilla, creating that luscious cheesecake texture.
How thick should the cream cheese layer be?
Try to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly to cover the pie filling fully, about a half-inch thick. This ensures every bite has a balanced taste of creamy and fruity goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both simple to make and unforgettable in taste, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is the answer. Its beautiful combination of strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake topping makes it a guaranteed favorite for family dinners or special occasions. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the flavors of strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and a sweet cake topping. Layered with a luscious cream cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion requiring a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Layer
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Layer Strawberry Pie Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the dessert.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined to create a creamy, sweet layer.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling, spreading it evenly to maintain distinct layers and balanced flavors.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer to form the cake topping.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix, which helps the cake mix bake with a moist, golden crust.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, signaling the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set. Optionally, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for added freshness and decoration.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry cake mix with a white or yellow cake mix for a subtle variation.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese layer.
- This dessert can be refrigerated after baking for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts between the cream cheese and cake mix layers.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoothest mixing results.
