The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Meet The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: the dessert that’s here to save your sweet tooth and your schedule! With layers of luscious strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake, pillowy whipped topping, and a buttery golden cake crust, every bite is bursting with color, texture, and pure joy. Whether you’re prepping last-minute for a potluck or just want to spoil your loved ones with something special, this treat takes “easy and impressive” to a whole new level. Indulgent, fruity, and utterly fuss-free, The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your go-to dessert all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry basics and some fresh strawberries to make magic happen. Every ingredient plays a starring role—cranking up flavor contrasts, adding that classic cheesecake richness, and creating gorgeous color in every layer.
- Yellow cake mix: The shortcut hero, offering a buttery golden crumb and perfectly sweet finish with almost zero effort.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Drizzled on top for irresistible richness and that iconic crispy, golden topping.
- Strawberry pie filling: Ready-made filling brings ruby-red color and sweet-tart berry flavor, making this cake instantly crowd-pleasing.
- Cream cheese (softened): Blended in for that signature cheesecake taste and creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer without going overboard.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and elevates the cheesecake flavor.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip, thawed): Spreads like a cloud on top for a dreamy, light finish.
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish): Perfect for bright bursts of freshness and eye-popping color.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A simple dusting takes the look from homemade to bakery-fabulous.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray or a light coating of butter so nothing sticks to the scrumptious layers you’re about to build.
Step 2: Blend the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer (or plenty of elbow grease) until the mixture is creamy and lump-free. This layer delivers that signature tang and velvety texture that gives The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake its cheesecake magic.
Step 3: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour those two cans of strawberry pie filling right into your prepared baking dish. With a spatula or the back of a spoon, gently smooth it into an even layer. Every scoop will sparkle with bold, fruity flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Mixture
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the berry layer. Gently spread for even coverage—don’t worry about perfection. A little mixing at the edges only makes for prettier swirls after baking!
Step 5: Top with Cake Mix
Grab that box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it dry, straight from the bag, across the entire surface. Make sure you’re covering the cheesecake and berry layers completely; any gaps mean missed pockets of cakey glory.
Step 6: Add the Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle your melted butter over the dry cake mix, doing your best to cover as much as possible. The butter will help transform the mix into a crisp, golden topping while the cake bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Golden-Bubbly Bliss
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns beautifully golden and you see pockets of bubbling strawberry goodness peeking through. Your home will smell like dessert heaven!
Step 8: Cool and Chill (If You Can Wait!)
Let your dump cake rest for at least 30 minutes after baking. For firmly set layers—especially if you adore a defined cheesecake bite—move it to the fridge to chill for another hour or two.
Step 9: Top and Serve
Right before serving, slather on the thawed whipped topping, then garnish with heaps of fresh strawberries and a flurry of powdered sugar if you wish. Each slice of The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will look ready for its close-up!
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
Let your creativity shine! A generous pile of fresh strawberries instantly makes this dessert pop, but you can also get playful with freeze-dried berries, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or even a little lemon zest for sophistication. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds that “just-baked” sparkle everyone loves.
Side Dishes
While The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake easily stands alone, serving it with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream brings a chilled creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the warm cake. For something lighter, a pitcher of lemonade or some fresh berries alongside is all you need to round out a summer dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
This dessert’s deep, showy layers look gorgeous spooned into clear glasses for parfait-style servings—perfect for parties or picnics. You can also use cookie cutters to create whimsical shapes for kids, or stack slices for an extravagant “cake tower” drizzled with extra berry sauce for celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (consider this a challenge!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or move slices to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, with flavors deepening and melding as it rests.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! Just wrap individual portions or the whole (cooled) dish securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Remember to leave off the whipped topping and fresh berry garnish until after thawing and serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm, reheat single servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or pop the baking dish in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Add the whipped topping and garnishes after warming for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake shines with strawberry pie filling, feel free to get creative with blueberry, cherry, or even peach pie fillings—the method stays exactly the same, offering endless fruity variations.
Do I have to use a cake mix, or can I make my own?
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can substitute homemade yellow cake mix. Just use your favorite dry cake mix recipe, but the boxed mix keeps things delightfully simple and always delivers a consistent, tender crumb.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
For super-smooth cheesecake layers, remove the cream cheese from the fridge at least an hour in advance. If you’re short on time, microwave unwrapped blocks in 10-second intervals until just soft—not melted.
Can The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix 1:1 for the regular mix. Verify that your pie filling and whipped topping are gluten-free as well, and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly dessert.
How can I make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake even more decadent?
If you’re truly going for a showstopper, add a handful of white chocolate chips on top of the cheesecake layer before adding the cake mix. Or, swirl a bit of strawberry jam into the pie filling for extra berry punch—your taste buds will thank you!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a dessert pro to wow everyone at the table—just try The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake and let the layers do the heavy lifting. From weeknight cravings to special occasions, it brings smiles and “wow, can I have the recipe?” moments every single time. Give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent bliss of The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This heavenly dessert combines the rich flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and buttery cake into a delightful treat that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Perfect for any occasion, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
Cake Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or whole (optional for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add Cheesecake Mixture: Spoon and gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Cool and Chill: Let cool for 30 minutes. Chill for firmer layers if desired.
- Finish and Serve: Top with whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Experiment with different fruit fillings for a unique twist on this dump cake recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, Dessert, Easy, Cream Cheese, Strawberries, Cake Mix
