If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This delightful treat combines the juicy sweetness of strawberry pie filling with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a perfectly golden, buttery cake layer. It’s effortless to throw together, yet the layers of flavor and texture make it taste like you spent hours crafting it. Whether you’re craving something for a family gathering, a casual weeknight dessert, or just a little personal indulgence, this recipe hits every spot beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready for this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is super simple because it uses just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building those luscious layers and inviting flavors you’ll fall in love with.
- Strawberry cake mix: This adds a sweet, cakey topping that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Strawberry pie filling: Bursting with fruity tartness, it creates the juicy base of the dessert.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides that luscious, smooth cheesecake texture that balances the tartness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese for the perfect filling.
- Butter (melted): Drizzled over the top, it helps the cake mix bake into a golden, crispy crust.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready to bake your dessert evenly and to golden perfection. Setting the right temperature is key for that beautiful bubbly finish.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This layer is what gives the cake its juicy burst of vibrant strawberry flavor and a lovely, glossy look after baking.
Step 3: Cream the Cheesecake Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth. This creamy blend will add a velvety richness to contrast the sweet and tart strawberry filling.
Step 4: Dollop the Cream Cheese Mixture
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pie filling in the dish. These pockets of cheesecake goodness will melt into the fruit as the cake bakes, creating irresistible layers.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix over the top of the cream cheese dollops in an even layer. This will form the crumble-like, sweet crust that holds the entire dessert together.
Step 6: Drizzle Melted Butter
Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix top. The butter makes sure your crust turns out beautifully crisp and golden, adding a rich, buttery flavor to every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the aroma fills your kitchen and the crust has that perfect crunch.
Step 8: Serve Warm or Chilled
Once baked, let your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe cool slightly. Serve it warm for gooey, melty goodness or chilled for a firmer slice. Either way, it’s pure bliss on a plate.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dessert, fresh strawberry slices on top bring a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty snow-kissed finish, while a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry sauce amps up the indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into its warm layers, or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a chilled glass of sparkling water can also refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming portion-sized dessert. You can also layer it with extra cream cheese mixture or fold in nuts for added texture. Using seasonal berries alongside the strawberry pie filling can make it your own signature creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days while maintaining its creamy and fruity flavors.
Freezing
This dessert freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and cozy, or bake the whole dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked aroma and melty cream cheese pockets perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While strawberry enhances the fruity, summery vibe of this recipe, you can experiment with yellow or white cake mixes for a different flavor twist. Each variation brings its own charm.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese is crucial for that classic cheesecake texture and tangy richness, so it’s best not to skip it. However, some may try mascarpone for a smoother profile, but it won’t be quite the same.
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese substitutes and vegan butter, and check the cake mix ingredients to ensure they’re free of animal products. The strawberry pie filling is usually vegan, but double-check to be sure.
Is it better served warm or cold?
Both ways are delicious! Warm cake is gooey and comforting, while chilling it makes the cheesecake layer firmer. Choose according to your mood or weather.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for bubbly edges around the dish and a golden-brown crust on top. The cream cheese dollops will appear set but still soft, indicating that luscious texture inside.
Final Thoughts
If you want a show-stopping dessert that is as comforting as it is easy, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that comes together quickly and effortlessly. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try — it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe box and a favorite among everyone lucky enough to take a bite!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake featuring layers of sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake mixture, and moist strawberry cake topping. This effortless dessert is perfect for any occasion and comes together quickly with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Layer Strawberry Pie Filling: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a juicy fruit base.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, distributing it evenly but without spreading to keep a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
- Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix, which will help the cake mix to moisten and bake properly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then serve warm or chill it for a few hours if you prefer it cold. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake!
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best creamy texture.
- Do not stir the layers after assembling; the separate textures create a unique taste experience.
- For easier serving, chill the cake before cutting.
- Can substitute strawberry cake mix with yellow or vanilla cake mix for variation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
