Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels impossibly easy yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your new go-to treat. Imagine layers of luscious strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake pockets, and a buttery cake topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven. It’s pure comfort in every bite, and the best part? You don’t even have to break out the mixer or worry about a fussy crust. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make for last-minute gatherings, family movie nights, or whenever that sweet tooth strikes out of nowhere!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is all about simple, classic ingredients coming together effortlessly. Each one plays an important role, from the creamy tang of the cheesecake layer to the sweet juiciness of the strawberry filling and the satisfying crunch of the graham cracker topping.
- Strawberry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 ounces): The star of the show, bringing bright, sweet, and tangy strawberry flavor to every bite.
- Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, softened): For that unmistakable cheesecake richness—be sure it’s soft for easy mixing!
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the cream cheese mixture and helps it blend smoothly.
- Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The secret shortcut to a fluffy, golden cake layer with barely any effort.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Drizzled over the top, it creates a rich, buttery crust when baked.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (1/2 cup, optional): Bring a little crunchy, toasty note that mimics classic cheesecake crust.
- Whipped Cream and Fresh Strawberries (for topping): These are your finishing touches, adding freshness and flair to every serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake comes out easily and that none of those delicious layers stick behind. A quick swipe of butter or a spritz of nonstick spray is all you need.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Grab your can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This luscious layer will bubble up as it bakes, infusing the whole cake with sweet, jammy strawberry goodness.
Step 3: Make and Add the Cheesecake Layer
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where that cheesecake magic happens! Drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the pockets of cheesecake will bake into dreamy surprises throughout the cake.
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Open your box of vanilla or yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the dish. No need to stir or mix—just make sure it covers all the fruit and cheesecake dollops so every bite gets some fluffy cake topping.
Step 5: Add Graham Cracker Crumbs (Optional)
If you want to channel that classic cheesecake vibe, sprinkle a layer of graham cracker crumbs on top of the cake mix. It adds a subtle crunch and a nostalgic touch that elevates your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake even more.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Take your melted butter and drizzle it as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix and graham cracker crumbs. The butter is what transforms the cake mix into a golden, crisp topping as it bakes, so try to cover as much of the surface as you can for the best texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and you see the edges bubbling with strawberry filling. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes—just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, but it’s still warm and gooey.
Step 8: Top and Serve
Scoop out generous portions and finish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries. Each spoonful is a dreamy combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet berries, and buttery cake. Perfection!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
The finishing touches can take your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from delicious to dazzling. A big swirl of whipped cream on top adds cloud-like creaminess, while a handful of fresh strawberries brings freshness and a pop of color. You can even add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for extra pizzazz.
Side Dishes
This dessert is wonderful on its own, but if you want to create a dessert spread, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple fruit salad. A hot cup of coffee or tea on the side balances the sweetness and makes every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve individual portions in small mason jars or clear glasses, layering the cake, cheesecake, and berries for a parfait-style treat. Want a show-stopping centerpiece? Bake and serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm, or cut it into neat squares and dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making each bite just as good (if not better!) the next day.
Freezing
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled, wrap individual servings or the whole dish in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. If you want to re-crisp the topping, pop it in a preheated oven at 325°F for a few minutes. Always add your whipped cream and fresh strawberries after reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different pie filling for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, feel free to swap in cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling for a fun twist on Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Just keep the measurements the same.
Does the cake mix need to be prepared first?
Nope! Just sprinkle the dry cake mix right out of the box over the filling and cheesecake layers. The butter and fruit juices do all the magic as it bakes, turning it into a delicious, fluffy topping.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your pie filling and graham cracker crumbs (if using) are certified gluten-free. The rest of the process stays exactly the same.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to take your cream cheese out ahead of time, just remove it from the package, cut it into cubes, and microwave it for about 15 seconds. It’ll soften up nicely and blend smoothly with the powdered sugar.
Is this dessert best served warm or cold?
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is heavenly served warm, when the cheesecake is gooey and the berries are bubbling. But it’s also delicious chilled or at room temperature, making it totally flexible for parties or make-ahead treats.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts deliver as much joy with so little fuss as Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this crowd-pleaser is sure to brighten any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for every strawberry season and sweet craving!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy, no-fuss dessert that layers sweet strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake dollops and a crunchy cake topping. Perfect for busy days or last-minute guests, it combines the flavors of strawberry cheesecake in a delightful baked treat that’s quick to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Cake Layer
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) vanilla or yellow cake mix
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Fresh strawberries, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the vibrant fruit base.
- Create Cheesecake Dollops: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spoon dollops of this cheesecake mixture evenly over the strawberry filling.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry vanilla or yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer, covering it completely.
- Add Optional Graham Cracker Crumbs: If desired, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the cake mix for an extra crunchy topping.
- Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top, making sure to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible to help it bake into a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries if desired for an extra special touch.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry pie filling with cherry or blueberry pie filling to vary the flavor.
- The cake is best served warm, though leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for later enjoyment.
- Be sure to spread the melted butter evenly to achieve the best crunchy topping texture.
- For a richer cheesecake flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and real butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
