Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a slice of cheesecake and a spoonful of strawberry pie all in one bite, you’ll fall in love with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This dessert delivers everything you adore: creamy, tangy sweetness, jammy strawberries, and a golden, buttery cake topping, all with practically zero fuss. Whether you’re impressing guests or making an ordinary night feel special, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the kind of homespun magic that gets everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this treat truly irresistible is how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients create show-stopping layers of flavor. Every component plays a part, from the vibrant strawberries to the ultimate buttery finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single item:
- Strawberry pie filling (1 can): The luscious base that brings instant fruity sweetness and a syrupy pop of color to every bite.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Extra freshness and brightness to elevate the canned filling with bursts of juicy fruit.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The heart of the cheesecake flavor—smooth, tangy, and rich, it ties the whole dessert together.
- Egg (1): Binds the cheesecake layer for a creamy, custardy texture.
- White sugar (1/2 cup): Brings out the natural flavors of the cream cheese and strawberries, giving you that classic cheesecake sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Subtle warmth and aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The secret shortcut to a golden, tender cake crust with barely any effort.
- Butter (10 tablespoons, melted): Poured over the top, it crisps the cake mix and infuses everything with a gorgeous, rich finish.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C), and grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the entire can of strawberry pie filling into the dish, then gently fold in the fresh sliced strawberries. This quick blend will give your dump cake the ideal mix of sweet, jammy depth and bright, fresh flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer until everything is silky smooth and fluffy—no lumps. Dollop or carefully spoon this cheesecake mixture evenly over your strawberry layer. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; it will spread a bit while baking, creating that classic swirled surprise in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Open your box of vanilla cake mix and sprinkle it directly and evenly over the cream cheese layer. The key here is not to stir or mix; just let the cake mix blanket the creamy layer so the distinct stripes of flavor build while baking.
Step 4: Pour on the Butter and Bake
Pour the melted butter slowly and as evenly as possible over the cake mix topping, making sure to moisten as much surface area as you can. The butter will seep down as the cake bakes, turning the dry mix into a golden, decadent crust. Bake the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up deliciously at the edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—it will set up just enough for perfect scooping.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
A simple scoop of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is truly delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate your creation, consider a generous dollop of whipped cream, a handful of fresh strawberry slices, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For a pop of color (and flavor contrast), a few mint leaves offer a fun, fresh touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert is lovely paired with something light and creamy, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of Greek yogurt. If you’re serving it for brunch, try it alongside crisp, salty bacon or a bright fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. The cake’s rich flavors play well with bright, citrusy beverages or even a refreshing iced tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, spoon your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake into individual mason jars or ramekins for a rustic, Instagram-worthy effect. You can also crumble it over vanilla ice cream for an impromptu sundae, or tuck small squares between cookies for a decadent dessert sandwich. Think outside the cake pan and have fun with the presentation—you’ll wow your guests every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, often making the second (and third!) servings even more delicious.
Freezing
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake freezes surprisingly well. Cut it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for dessert in a pinch.
Reheating
To enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm, place an individual portion in the microwave and heat for about 20–30 seconds. For larger amounts, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 300-degree F oven for 10–15 minutes, until heated through and gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use other pie fillings instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While the classic version stars strawberries, feel free to substitute in blueberry, cherry, or even peach pie filling for a completely different (but equally delicious) spin on Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Just swap fruit for fruit and follow the same directions.
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge, and reheat briefly before serving. This cake’s flavor actually improves as the layers settle together overnight.
Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix in place of the regular version. Double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, and proceed as usual—no need to miss out on a single bite!
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
No worries! Use a sturdy whisk or even a fork to combine the cream cheese mixture. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but it will still bake up creamy and delicious.
Can I add more fresh fruit to the filling?
Of course! Toss in extra sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even raspberries. Just avoid making the filling too watery—the beauty of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is its jammy, thick consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about bringing a dreamy dessert to life with so little effort, and Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the best kind of sweet shortcut. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro seeking a crowd-pleaser, this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked with your very first bite.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that combines the flavors of strawberry pie filling, fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and vanilla cake mix. It’s a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 can strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 15.25 ounce box vanilla cake mix
- 10 Tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Pour the pie filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently fold in fresh strawberries.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the strawberries.
- Add the Cake Mix: Spread the vanilla cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle melted butter on top, being careful not to mix the layers.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, Strawberry dessert, Easy dessert recipe, Cheesecake recipe
