Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is just what you need. Combining the sweetness of strawberries, the richness of cheesecake, and the buttery crunch of cake topping, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Plus, the best part? You don’t need any special baking skills to whip this up! Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, bake, and enjoy. It’s a dessert that’ll make you look like a pro with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Dump Cake

• Effortless Prep: With only a few simple steps, this cake is perfect for when you need a quick dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Layers of Flavor: The juicy strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and buttery cake topping create a harmony of textures and tastes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, it’s always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling: The fruity base of your cake, bringing that sweet, tangy strawberry flavor.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: Adds the perfect buttery cake topping to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The heart of the cheesecake layer, adding a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries.
• ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese to mimic a classic cheesecake filling.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract: A little vanilla enhances the flavor of the cheesecake layer.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides the moisture for the cake mix, turning it into a golden, buttery topping.
• Fresh strawberries (optional for garnish): Add a fresh, vibrant touch to your finished cake.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy serving and clean-up.

2. Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling

Open your can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer forms the fruity base of your dump cake, offering a sweet and slightly tart flavor in every bite.

3. Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or whisk, but make sure the mixture is creamy and lump-free. Once combined, drop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly—those little pockets of cheesecake will melt and blend as the cake bakes, creating a delicious swirl.

4. Add the Cake Mix Topping

Grab your yellow cake mix (straight from the box no need to prepare it) and sprinkle it evenly over the entire dish, covering both the strawberries and cream cheese mixture. This dry cake mix will absorb the moisture from the butter and fruit, forming a golden crust on top.

5. Drizzle the Butter

Melt ½ cup unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible—this butter is what transforms the dry cake mix into a buttery, crispy topping. Don’t worry if a few dry spots remain; the juices from the strawberry filling will help bake the cake mix evenly.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the strawberry filling is bubbling up around the edges. You want the cake to be golden but not too dark, so keep an eye on it as it nears the end of baking time.

7. Let Cool & Serve

Once your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the layers a chance to set, making it easier to scoop out and serve. For a little extra pizzazz, garnish with some fresh strawberries before serving, if desired.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm straight from the oven, or let it cool to room temperature for a firmer texture. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re feeling indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of fruity, creamy, and cakey all in one bite.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid any lumps in your cheesecake layer.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to switch up the pie filling! Blueberry, cherry, or even apple would work great in this recipe.
• Don’t Skip the Butter: The melted butter is crucial to transforming the cake mix into a golden, crispy topping. If you want an extra buttery flavor, you can increase the amount to ¾ cup.

FAQs

Can I Use Homemade Strawberry Filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade touch, you can use fresh strawberries to make your own pie filling. Just cook down strawberries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?

Sure! While yellow cake mix gives the best balance of flavors, you can experiment with white cake mix, vanilla, or even a strawberry-flavored cake mix for an extra burst of strawberry goodness.

Why You Should Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than just an easy dessert—it’s a lifesaver for those last-minute gatherings or when you just need a sweet treat without the hassle. With minimal ingredients and almost no effort, you get a dessert that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and charm. The sweet, tangy strawberries, creamy cheesecake swirls, and golden cake topping make each bite a delightful combination of comfort and decadence.

Final Thoughts

When you need a dessert that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. It’s the perfect balance of fruity, creamy, and crunchy, with the added bonus of being ridiculously simple to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a regular weeknight treat, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12

So go ahead—grab that can of strawberry pie filling, dust off the cake mix, and get ready to enjoy a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s as easy as it is delicious. 🍓