If you’re looking for an absolutely delightful dessert that feels like a homemade hug, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s incredibly simple yet packs a punch with luscious layers of sweet strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake goodness, and a golden, buttery cake topping. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors coupled with a gorgeous texture that’s both creamy and crumbly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want a quick, impressive dessert, this recipe will become your go-to for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients will ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe comes out perfectly every time. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert so irresistible.
- Yellow cake mix: The dry base that crisps up beautifully and adds a sweet, fluffy cake layer.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz): Provides juicy, vibrant fruit flavor and moisture to the dessert.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds richness and creaminess that mimics the classic cheesecake texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake mixture perfectly without overpowering the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Drizzled on top to create that golden, crisp crust everyone loves.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps smooth out the cream cheese mixture for even spreading.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A hint of spice to decorate and deepen the dessert’s aroma.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This preparation ensures your dump cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that perfect texture on the bottom and edges.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Filling
Take your can of strawberry pie filling and carefully spread it evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy layer is going to infuse every bite with a burst of sweet, tangy strawberry flavor that feels fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture acts as the cheesecake heart of the dessert, adding a velvety texture that beautifully contrasts with the fruit and cake layers.
Step 4: Layer and Drizzle
Pour the cream cheese mixture right over the strawberry filling and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Next, drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix—this step is crucial because it creates that irresistible golden crust as the dump cake bakes. For a little extra warmth, optionally sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown top—the sign that your cake is cooked through and ready to make its grand entrance at your dessert table.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe cool slightly for the best texture. Serve warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make the experience truly special and indulgent.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your dessert presentation with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A small mint leaf adds a pop of green and a fresh aroma. These simple touches make your dump cake look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light sides such as fresh fruit salad or a simple cup of coffee or tea. The richness of the cake contrasts nicely with crisp fruits or a warm beverage balancing the overall meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dump cake in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Layering the dessert with whipped cream and strawberry slices in a trifecta glass turns it into a layered parfait experience that guests will adore. Presentation is key to turning this humble dump cake into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying again or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep your dessert longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled dump cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When stored correctly, it can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, heat a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a conventional oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. Adding a scoop of ice cream after reheating really brings out the dessert’s comforting qualities.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used, but you might want to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to create a similar texture to pie filling so your dump cake bakes correctly.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to beat smoothly with the other ingredients, ensuring a creamy, lump-free cheesecake layer.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with a different flavor?
Definitely. White or funfetti cake mixes also work wonderfully and can add subtle variations in flavor and appearance to your dump cake.
Why do I need to drizzle melted butter over the cake mix?
The butter is essential for creating the crisp, golden top crust. Without it, the cake mix would remain dry and powdery instead of moist and flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Even if you’re new to baking, the straightforward layering process of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe makes it very beginner-friendly and rewarding to make.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe combines ease and indulgence in every bite, perfect for impressing your loved ones without hours in the kitchen. With its vibrant strawberry flavor and creamy cheesecake touch, you’re going to wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. Give it a go and prepare for it to become a cherished classic in your dessert lineup!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake and a moist yellow cake topping. It’s an easy, no-fuss dessert perfect for any occasion, featuring layers of luscious cream cheese and fruit baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake does not stick after baking.
- Add Strawberry Pie Filling: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the fruit layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the strawberry filling in the baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix and Butter: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the cheesecake layer, distributing it evenly. Then, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the cake topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Using a 9×13-inch baking dish is important for the layers to cook evenly.
- Cinnamon on top is optional but adds a nice warmth and depth to the flavor.
- This dessert is best served warm but can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
