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This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings together the sweetness of strawberries, the smooth richness of cheesecake, and the buttery crumble of cake in one incredibly simple dessert. It looks impressive and tastes indulgent but only takes minutes to prepare and bakes all in one dish. Whether you want a quick treat for yourself or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this dump cake really delivers that comforting homemade feel without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Easy to make without any mixing bowls or complicated steps just layer and bake
- Combines sweet berries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake for perfect flavor balance
- Great for gatherings or an easy weekend dessert that feels special
- Flexible recipe you can customize with different fruits or add-ins like chocolate chips for variety
I remember making this during a busy holiday and everyone was amazed how delicious it was with so little effort. Now it’s a go-to whenever I need something sweet and impressive fast.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Pie Filling: gives a jammy, sweet base that keeps the cake moist and full of fruit flavor. Use a quality brand for the best taste.
- Cream Cheese: softened adds that luscious cheesecake texture and tangy richness. Full-fat cream cheese works best for creaminess.
- Vanilla Cake Mix: offers a buttery cakey topping that absorbs moisture and bakes into a golden crust. Pick a classic mix for consistent results.
- Butter: melted is spread on top to create the rich, crispy crumble. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
- Fresh Strawberries: optional for garnish bring a pop of freshness and vibrant color to finish the dish beautifully.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: for serving provide an extra creamy, cooling contrast to the warm cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease your 9 by 13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Layer the Strawberry Filling:
- Pour two cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to make sure every bite will have that sweet, syrupy strawberry base.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese evenly over the strawberry filling. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it but do not fully mix it in. Those pockets of cream cheese melt into creamy bites while baking.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix:
- Evenly cover the cream cheese layer with dry vanilla cake mix. Avoid stirring the cake mix into the layers below to keep the recipe’s signature texture.
- Pour the Butter:
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Aim to cover as much surface as possible. This step is key to creating the golden, buttery crumble finish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let the cake cool slightly before serving for best texture.
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One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the cream cheese pockets melt into sweet strawberry layers creating little bites of cheesecake magic. It’s a dessert that always reminds me of cozy family gatherings where everyone asks for seconds.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To refresh, microwave single servings for about 30 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth. For longer storage wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving for the best experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer fresh strawberries, toss them with sugar and cornstarch to create a syrupy texture that mimics pie filling. Cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings work wonderfully as well for a seasonal twist. Yellow cake mix is an easy substitute for vanilla mix and will still yield a delicious topping. Low-fat cream cheese can be used but expect the texture to be less creamy and rich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dump cake warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Add a fresh strawberry or mint leaf for a pretty finishing touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting dessert experience.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to easily spread and create the perfect pockets
- Do not stir the cake mix into the layers or the topping will not have the right crumbly texture
- Use melted butter evenly drizzled so every part of the top crisps beautifully and browns golden
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but to achieve a syrupy base similar to pie filling, toss them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch before layering.
- → What if I only have yellow cake mix?
Yellow cake mix works well and adds a subtle flavor difference while maintaining the cake's buttery texture.
- → Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Low-fat cream cheese can be used; however, full-fat cream cheese provides a richer, creamier texture that enhances the dessert.
- → Do leftovers need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cream cheese layer, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and texture.
- → Can this dessert be prepared in advance?
Layers can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it convenient for planning ahead.
- → Can I substitute other fruit fillings?
Absolutely. Cherry, blueberry, or peach pie fillings make excellent alternatives that complement the cream cheese and cake layers.