If you are looking for a dessert that balances simplicity with show-stopping flavor, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe is an absolute gem. This delightful creation brings together luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy pockets of cheesecake, and the comforting texture of cake mix all baked into one easy dish. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weeknight entertainer, or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe will become your go-to treat. Its effortless assembly and irresistibly moist, tangy, and sweet flavors make it an instant hit that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in delivering mouthwatering taste and texture. From the fresh tang of the cream cheese to the sweet, juicy strawberry filling and buttery crunch of the topping, every component shines through beautifully.
- 2 cans (20 oz each) strawberry pie filling: Provides the juicy, sweet strawberry base bursting with fruit flavor.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess and tang that makes the dessert feel indulgent.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake pockets perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix: Creates a soft, golden crumb layer that bakes up beautifully over the filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cake mix to crisp up on top and adds a lovely buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for topping): Adds an extra layer of crunchy texture and subtle sweetness.
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 lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will come out easily once baked. The baking dish is the canvas where this delicious masterpiece takes shape.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. This juicy and flavorful layer creates the perfect strawberry base that all other ingredients will balance beautifully. Make sure it covers every corner.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Then, spoon dollops of this mixture gently over the strawberry filling. It might look uneven, but these pockets of cheesecake will melt into the cake mix, creating wonderfully rich bites throughout.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. This dry layer might seem simple, but as it bakes with the butter, it will transform into a golden crust that soaks up the sweet juices beneath, creating the signature “dump cake” texture.
Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire cake mix. It’s essential to cover as much surface as possible to allow the cake mix to bake into a crispy, buttery topping. This step seals in moisture while delivering that irresistible crumbly crust.
Step 6: Add the Optional Graham Cracker Topping
If you want a little extra crunch and texture, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top. This addition complements the cheesecake and strawberry flavors, adding a touch of toasty sweetness that’s totally worth it.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dump cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen during this stage is pure magic, promising something truly delicious coming your way.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the layers set just enough for clean slices. Whether you prefer it warm with melting ice cream or chilled for a firmer texture, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe adapts perfectly to your cravings.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dessert, consider topping it off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A few fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also add a pretty finishing touch and keep the strawberry flavor front and center.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a light herbal tea. For a more decadent experience, try serving alongside a glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity dessert wine that complements the sweetness without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, bake the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe in smaller ramekins for individual servings. Layer with fresh fruit in clear glasses for a trifle-style presentation, or serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to add your own signature twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this treat even after the initial baking day. The flavors actually deepen and meld together nicely overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When properly stored, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving chilled.
Reheating
To bring your dump cake back to life after refrigeration or freezing, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through. This will refresh the gooey texture and buttery crust impressively.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes! You can use fresh strawberries, but you may need to add sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the consistency of pie filling. Cooking the fresh strawberries down slightly before assembling will help achieve the best texture.
Is there a way to make the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Choose a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your pie filling and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This substitution keeps the dessert accessible without compromising on flavor.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dump cake the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next day. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or busy days.
What’s the best way to cut and serve dump cake?
Let the cake cool slightly so the layers set, then use a sharp knife to cut into square portions. For clean slices, wiping the knife between cuts is helpful since the filling can be sticky.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
You could try mascarpone for a richer flavor or a plain yogurt mixed with a bit of cornstarch for a lighter twist, but cream cheese is best for that classic cheesecake richness the recipe is loved for.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like the ease and joyful flavors of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe. It’s a dessert that combines the comfort of homemade with the speed of a simple assembly, making it perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to dive in and whip one up soon — your friends and family will thank you for sharing this sweet, tangy, creamy slice of heaven.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake🍰🍓 Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a deliciously easy dessert combining sweet strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake pockets and a buttery cake topping. With minimal prep and baking time, it’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress with its rich flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (20 oz each) strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Layer
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake won’t stick during baking.
- Add Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a sweet and juicy base layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will add rich cheesecake pockets throughout the cake.
- Layer Cheesecake Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, gently spreading to create patches or pockets but not mixing it in completely.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow or white cake mix over the strawberry and cream cheese layers, covering them completely for a cohesive cake structure.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the dry cake mix layer evenly, making sure to cover as much surface as possible to ensure moist and flavorful cake topping.
- Add Topping (Optional): For added texture and crunch, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top layer as an optional finishing touch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or chilled, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry pie filling with other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for variety.
- Using softened cream cheese is crucial for smooth mixing and even distribution.
- Allow the cake to cool a bit before slicing to help it set and hold together better.
- Graham cracker crumbs are optional but add a lovely texture contrast on top.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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