If youโre craving a dessert thatโs ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the answer. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, fruity strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and buttery, crumbly cake mix. The best part? You just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do all the work!
This dessert is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a show-stopping treat with minimal effort. So grab your ingredients, and letโs get baking! Donโt forget to subscribe for more deliciously simple recipes.
Why Youโll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Quick and Easy: No mixing bowls or complicated stepsโjust layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Deliciously Decadent: Creamy cheesecake, tart strawberries, and buttery cake all in one bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, parties, or a simple weeknight dessert.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only one baking dish is needed!
- Customizable: Swap the strawberries for your favorite pie filling or cake mix.
What Does Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Taste Like?
This dump cake is like a cross between a fruit cobbler, a cheesecake, and a buttery crumble. The strawberry pie filling provides a sweet and tart fruity layer, while the cheesecake mixture is creamy and tangy. The cake mix topping bakes into a golden, buttery crust with just the right amount of crunch. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Benefits of Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- No Fuss: Perfect for beginner bakers or when youโre short on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the flavors of strawberry, cheesecake, and cake all in one dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, simple pantry ingredients.
- Versatile: Easily switch up the flavors to suit your mood or the season.
Ingredients Youโll Need
For the Dump Cake:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ยฝ cup sugar
- ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยฝ cup unsalted butter, melted
Tools Youโll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula for spreading ingredients
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Pie Filling: Use cherry, blueberry, or apple pie filling instead of strawberry for a new flavor twist.
- Cake Mix: Swap yellow cake mix for white, vanilla, or even strawberry-flavored cake mix.
- Butter: Salted butter can be used, just reduce the added salt elsewhere in the recipe.
- Cheesecake Layer: Mix in a splash of lemon juice or zest for extra tang.
- Toppings: Sprinkle shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or white chocolate chips on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling and gently spread it out as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Make sure to cover everything completely.
Step 5: Drizzle the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This will create a buttery, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the dump cake in the preheated oven for 40โ45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
While this dessert is amazing on its own, here are a few ways to take it up a notch:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm, fruity cake.
- Whipped Cream: Add a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors.
- Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with sliced strawberries for an extra burst of fruitiness.
- Drizzle of Chocolate: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the top for a decadent touch.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Even Butter Distribution: Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix to avoid dry spots.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly.
- Donโt Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake toward the end of baking to ensure the top doesnโt burn.
- Customize the Layers: Feel free to adjust the thickness of the cheesecake layer or add extra pie filling for more fruit.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20โ30 seconds.
- Freezer: You can freeze the baked dump cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! Bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 325ยฐF for about 10โ15 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
A: You can, but youโll need to cook the strawberries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a jam-like consistency before using them in the recipe.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for when youโre short on time but want maximum flavor. Itโs gooey, fruity, buttery, and downright irresistible. Whether youโre making it for a family dinner, a party, or just because, itโs guaranteed to be a hit.
If you loved this recipe, check out my Peach Cobbler Dump Cake or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for more easy, crowd-pleasing desserts. Donโt forget to share your creations on Instagram or PinterestโIโd love to see your delicious results!
Approximate Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 42g | Sugar: 25g