If you are looking for a truly delightful dessert that comes together with almost no fuss, this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is absolutely perfect. Imagine luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and the crumbly texture of yellow cake mix all mingling beautifully in one pan. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but is so simple to pull off, making it a beloved favorite to share with friends and family during any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but vital to achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each one plays a key role, from the tangy cream cheese to the sweet strawberry pie filling and the buttery cake topping.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the crumbly, golden topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Strawberry pie filling: Adds juicy, sweet strawberry bursts that create the fruit base.
- Butter, melted: Drizzled over the cake mix to ensure a rich, buttery crunch on top.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy layer that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Sugar: Balances the slight tartness of the cream cheese with sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
- Milk: Helps thin the cream cheese mixture for easier pouring and even layering.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature once your layers are assembled. Don’t forget to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish well—that way, the cake won’t stick and will come out cleanly, ready for serving.
Step 2: Layer the strawberry pie filling
Pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy fruit layer is the foundation of the cake’s vibrant flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 3: Whip the cream cheese mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. This luscious, creamy layer will sit right atop the strawberries, adding a velvety richness.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese layer
Gently pour or spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling. Try to cover the fruit thoroughly, but don’t worry if it’s a bit rippled—this will bake into a beautiful texture.
Step 5: Sprinkle the cake mix on top
Now for the best part: sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This dry topping is what will turn wonderfully crunchy while baking, creating that iconic dump cake texture.
Step 6: Drizzle melted butter
Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is crucial because the butter melts into the cake mix as it bakes, helping to create a golden, crisp topping that tastes like pure comfort.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake the entire dish for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you see bubbly juices around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen and get everyone eagerly awaiting a taste!
Step 8: Cool slightly before serving
Let your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe cool for a few minutes after baking so it sets up just enough to serve easily without losing any of that ooey-gooey magic.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this cake to the next level. For a pretty finish, sprinkle some fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These little touches add freshness and visual appeal, making the dessert even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of chilled milk. If you want something more festive, serve alongside a light fruit salad or some mint leaves for a refreshing contrast. These complementary sides help balance the richness of the cheesecake and enhance the strawberry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve individual portions in pretty dessert glasses or mason jars layered with whipped cream and extra berries. You could also turn this dump cake recipe into mini parfaits or even use it as a filling for crepes or waffles. The possibilities are endless and make dessert time extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying desserts later in the week.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Wrap it tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftover slices back to life, warm them gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This will revive the gooey texture and melt the butter topping back into deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to first cook them down with some sugar to create a thick sauce so your dump cake has the juicy fruit layer it needs without becoming watery.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese before mixing?
Absolutely. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the other ingredients, ensuring your cheesecake layer is creamy without lumps for the perfect texture.
Can I substitute yellow cake mix with another flavor?
While yellow cake mix is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with white cake or even spice cake mixes for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind the original recipe’s balance when making substitutions.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated after baking?
Since it contains cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers to keep the dessert fresh and safe to eat. Serve it slightly chilled or gently warmed back up for best taste.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, but keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly. Choosing a very stable dairy-free cream cheese and solid coconut oil or vegan butter should work well.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe truly is a gem when you want a spectacular dessert that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect treat to make for gatherings, potlucks, or simple family dinners. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be turning to this recipe again and again because it’s just that good and easy to love.
Print
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake and a buttery yellow cake topping. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dessert is perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup 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 Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a juicy base.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Pour the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling in the dish.
- Add Cake Mix Topping: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer, covering it completely.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to help it bake into a golden, crisp topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor.
- For a tangier cheesecake layer, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
