Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s effortlessly delicious and guaranteed to impress, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This cake combines the lusciousness of cheesecake with the bright, sweet flavor of strawberries, all brought together in a super simple “dump and bake” style that saves you time without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for family or surprising friends with a stunning dessert, this recipe is a must-have in your collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Simplicity: The dump cake method means minimal prep and zero fuss for maximum flavor.
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: Creamy cheesecake meets juicy strawberries in every bite.
- Quick to Prepare: From start to oven in under 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether casual or festive, this cake fits right in.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant strawberry topping creates a stunning look without extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, combining creamy, sweet, and fruity elements that create a magical balance in the finished dessert.
- Strawberry pie filling: Provides the sweet, juicy berry base with a lovely red color.
- Boxed yellow cake mix: Acts as the crumbly, golden topping that bakes into perfection.
- Cream cheese: Adds creamy richness reminiscent of cheesecake filling.
- Butter: Helps the cake mix crisp up beautifully and adds decadent flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps balance tangy notes from the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm, fragrant tones.
Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Feel free to make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake your own by customizing ingredients based on what you have available or your personal dietary preferences. These simple swaps can give you new flavors or cater to specific needs without fuss.
- Use fresh strawberries: Swap canned pie filling with fresh berries and a sprinkle of sugar for a natural touch.
- Try other fruit fillings: Blueberry or cherry pie filling work wonderfully for a different twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to suit gluten sensitivities.
- Lower sugar: Choose a sugar-free or light pie filling and reduce added sugar to make it lighter.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese Layer
Dollop softened cream cheese on top of the pie filling and spread gently to create an even layer of creamy richness right over the berries.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Do not mix; this will create that signature crumbly topping.
Step 5: Top with Butter and Sugar
Melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix layer, then sprinkle granulated sugar and a little vanilla extract to enhance sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling along the edges.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Room temperature ingredients: Let cream cheese and butter soften for easier spreading and better texture.
- Even layering: Spread each layer carefully to ensure balanced flavor and consistent baking.
- Watch the bake time: Oven temps vary, so check between 40-50 minutes for perfect browning.
- Use a glass baking dish: This helps you monitor the bubbling edges for doneness.
- Let it cool slightly: Allow the cake to rest 10-15 minutes before serving to set nicely.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
Add fresh sliced strawberries or a sprig of mint on top for color contrast and an extra pop of freshness that complements the dessert beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to amplify creaminess and temperature contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual glass jars for a fun, portable presentation or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a sophisticated look at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the cake completely and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then store in the refrigerator; it will keep well for up to 4 days without losing moisture.
Freezing
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat the full cake covered in foil in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to retain moistness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can swap canned pie filling for fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken, but the texture may be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and select a suitable cake mix to make a vegan or dairy-free version.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time and bake later?
You can assemble the dump cake components in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, but it’s best to bake fresh if possible.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The dump cake is done when the top is golden brown, and you see bubbling juices around the edges; a toothpick in the center should come out mostly clean.
Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 inch pans, and adjust the baking time slightly to accommodate the volume.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is truly a dessert that anyone can master with minimal ingredients and effort while delivering show-stopping flavor. It’s your new go-to for easy entertaining or when a sweet craving strikes, so go ahead and treat yourself — you deserve it!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an effortlessly delicious dessert combining creamy cheesecake layers with sweet, juicy strawberries in a simple dump-and-bake format. This quick-to-prepare treat is perfect for any occasion, featuring a golden crumbly topping and vibrant strawberry flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish, covering the entire surface.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Dollop softened cream cheese over the pie filling and gently spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer without mixing to form a crumbly topping.
- Top with Butter and Sugar: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer, then sprinkle granulated sugar and drizzle vanilla extract evenly across the top to enhance sweetness and flavor.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and juices bubble around the edges.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easier spreading and better texture.
- Spread each layer evenly to ensure balanced flavor and baking consistency.
- Check the cake between 40-50 minutes for perfect browning as oven temperatures vary.
- Use a glass baking dish to monitor bubbling edges for doneness.
- Allow the cake to cool 10-15 minutes before serving to set properly.
- Variations include using fresh strawberries instead of pie filling, swapping in other fruit fillings like blueberry or cherry, gluten-free cake mix for gluten sensitivities, lowering sugar by selecting sugar-free pie fillings, or adding chopped nuts on top for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake dump cake, easy dessert, fruit dump cake, cheesecake dessert, quick strawberry cake, dump and bake dessert