Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—a luscious blend of creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberry filling, and buttery cake topping all baked together in one pan. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this dessert promises layers of comfort and sweetness without any fuss, making it a perfect go-to for last-minute guests or family get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake couldn’t be simpler. Each component plays a key role in creating a medley of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly in the oven.

• Vanilla or French vanilla cake mix: Provides a sweet, fluffy crumb that perfectly balances the tangy cream cheese and fruity filling.
• Butter (1 stick, melted): Adds richness and helps bring the cake topping to a golden, buttery finish.
• Cream cheese (8 oz package): Adds that signature smooth, creamy cheesecake layer with a mild tang.
• Strawberry pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Bursting with sweet, luscious strawberries that saturate the cake with vibrant flavor and moisture.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s perfectly hot to create that golden crust as soon as you place your dessert inside. Next, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Crumbly Topping

In a medium bowl, melt the stick of butter until just liquid. Add your cake mix and combine with a fork until the mixture turns crumbly. This topping is key—it will bake into a golden, crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling below.

Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Pour both cans of the strawberry pie filling directly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every bite will be packed with juicy sweetness. This luscious fruit layer is what makes the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake so refreshingly vibrant.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese Slices

Slice the cream cheese into thin pieces and lay them evenly over the strawberry filling. These ribbons of cream cheese melt down during baking, creating the dreamy, tangy cheesecake element essential to this dessert’s signature flavor.

Step 5: Top with the Cake Mixture

Sprinkle the buttery cake mix crumbs evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic—this uneven, crumbly topping bakes into a perfectly golden crust that adds just the right amount of texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your assembled dessert into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the strawberry filling is bubbling joyfully around the edges and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. The aromas at this point are just heavenly!

Step 7: Serve Warm

For the best experience, serve the cake warm. This way, every bite offers a symphony of melty cream cheese, gooey strawberries, and crisp cake topping that defines the magic of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy counterpoint that balances the cake’s richness perfectly. Alternatively, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few sliced fresh strawberries on top can enhance the visual appeal and add a fresh bite.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. If you want to keep it lighter, a simple cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness beautifully without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dump cake in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties. You can also layer it in clear glass trifle bowls to show off those gorgeous strawberry and cheesecake layers—an impressive yet effortless presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake should be covered tightly and kept refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious dessert longer, freezing is your friend. Place leftover portions in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm again, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325-degree oven until heated through. The bubbly fruit and melty cream cheese become just as heavenly as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used, but for the best texture and flavor, try cooking them down with a little sugar and cornstarch to create a thick filling similar to the pie filling. This helps keep the cake moist without it getting too watery.

Is it necessary to melt the butter before mixing it with the cake mix?

Yes, melting the butter ensures the cake mix forms crumbly, even-sized bits perfect for topping. It also allows the butter to coat the crumbs as they bake, creating that coveted golden crust.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with a different type of cheese?

Cream cheese is essential for that classic cheesecake flavor and creamy texture. Substituting it will change the taste and consistency drastically, so it’s best to stick with cream cheese for this recipe.

How can I make this dessert less sweet?

Try using a cake mix that’s less sweet or reduce the sugar in the strawberry filling by mixing in some fresh strawberries and less pie filling. You could also cut down slightly on the amount of cake mix topping.

Is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?

Traditional cake mixes contain gluten, but you can definitely use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix as a substitute to make this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive or celiac-friendly diets.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert to bring comfort and joy into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, so don’t hesitate to try it out and make it a new favorite in your repertoire. Trust me—once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

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