Name: Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sugar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a revelation. If you’re craving something impossibly creamy, delightfully fruity, and astonishingly easy to make, then you’ve stumbled upon your new obsession. This beloved treat has captured hearts (and taste buds) for its sheer simplicity, delivering all the decadent flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake without the fuss of water baths, springform pans, or complicated steps. What truly sets this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake apart is its magical transformation from pantry staples into a symphony of textures and tastes. Imagine tender, sweet strawberries mingling with a luscious, cream cheese-infused cake layer, all crowned with a slightly crisp, golden topping. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or simply when that sweet craving hits hard and you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer

The foundation of our delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake starts with a luscious cream cheese mixture. Begin by ensuring your 8-ounce package of cream cheese is properly softened. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency. You can achieve this by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour, or for a quicker method, remove it from its wrapper and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low power in 15-second intervals, checking for softness after each burst. Be careful not to melt it completely; you want it pliable, not liquid.

Once your cream cheese is perfectly softened, transfer it to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar to the bowl. The sugar will not only sweeten the cream cheese layer but also contribute to its delightful texture. Next, incorporate ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the cream cheese beautifully. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly. The goal here is a uniform, pale yellow mixture that is airy and light. This step is vital for a smooth, decadent filling that melts in your mouth.

Assembling the Dump Cake

Now, it’s time to assemble our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This “dump” cake gets its name because of how incredibly easy it is to put together – no fancy layering or complicated techniques required! Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is ideal for ensuring all the layers have enough space to bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

Open the 1-can (21 oz) of strawberry pie filling. You don’t need to drain it. Carefully pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon or a spatula, making sure it covers the entire bottom surface of the dish. You want a consistent layer of bright, sweet strawberry goodness.

Next, open the 1-box (15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix. Do not prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Instead, take the dry cake mix and evenly sprinkle it directly over the layer of strawberry pie filling. Try to distribute the dry cake mix as uniformly as possible, covering the entire surface. Don’t worry if it looks a little patchy; the melted butter will help it spread during baking. The dry cake mix will absorb the moisture from the pie filling and butter, creating a tender, cake-like layer on top.

Creating the Butter Streusel Topping

This step is what truly transforms our dump cake into a delightful, buttery, and slightly crisp creation. Take your ½ cup of unsalted butter and melt it. You can do this in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Ensure the butter is fully melted and still warm, but not scorching hot.

Once the butter is melted, gently drizzle it evenly over the dry yellow cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible. As the butter heats and seeps into the dry cake mix, it will help create those delightful golden-brown crusty bits that are a hallmark of a great dump cake. Don’t overthink this step; just aim for an even distribution.

Now, very carefully, dollop spoonfuls of the prepared cream cheese mixture over the butter-drizzled cake mix. You don’t need to spread this layer completely flat. In fact, leaving it in dollops will allow it to bake into delicious pockets of cheesecake flavor throughout the cake. Think of it as creating little pockets of creamy indulgence. As the cake bakes, these dollops will melt and spread slightly, mingling with the cake and strawberry layers, creating a truly divine flavor profile that makes this a standout Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

Baking Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This moderate oven temperature is perfect for allowing the dump cake to bake through without burning the top. Place your assembled 9×13 inch baking dish on a baking sheet. This is an important tip, as it will catch any potential spills or bubbling over during baking, making cleanup much easier.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly around the edges. You should see the cake mix has cooked through and formed a delicious crust, and the cream cheese dollops have softened and melded into the dessert. You can test for doneness by gently inserting a toothpick into the cakey part of the dump cake; it should come out mostly clean, though it may have a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, carefully remove the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This cooling time is essential for the cake to set properly, making it easier to scoop and preventing it from being too molten. The flavors will also continue to meld together as it cools.

Serving Your Delicious Creation

For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider garnishing your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with fresh strawberries. Simply slice or halve a few ripe strawberries and arrange them attractively over the warm cake. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is also a fantastic accompaniment to this dessert. The warm, gooey cake, combined with the tangy strawberries and creamy cheesecake notes, is simply irresistible. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your incredibly simple and delightfully delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is ready to impress. We’ve walked through each easy step, from layering your ingredients to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. This recipe truly lives up to its “dump cake” name – minimal effort for maximum reward. The creamy cheesecake filling, bright strawberry bursts, and buttery cake topping come together in a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this versatile dessert; it’s forgiving and adaptable.

I love serving this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also fantastic cooled, allowing the cheesecake layer to fully set. For variations, consider adding a handful of fresh blueberries along with the strawberries, or swirling in some raspberry jam for an extra fruity punch. You could even sprinkle a little lemon zest into the batter for a brighter flavor profile. The beauty of this dessert is its adaptability, so feel free to make it your own! I hope you enjoy making and sharing this incredible treat as much as I do.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, you’ll want to thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid to prevent the cake from becoming too watery. They work wonderfully and offer convenience.

What other fruits can I use in place of strawberries?

This dump cake recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily substitute the strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, peaches (canned or fresh), or even a mix of berries. Just ensure they are well-drained if using canned fruit.

How long does Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake last?

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in a microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying dessert.