The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Craving a dessert that hits every note — creamy, fruity, buttery, and sweet — without spending hours in the kitchen? The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. This crowd-pleaser combines layers of tangy strawberry pie filling, rich cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake mix topping, all brought together with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, quick baking recipes, or delicious food ideas for a party or potluck, this dump cake delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Serve it chilled for a summer treat or warm for a cozy winter dessert. It’s simple, spectacular, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert without the stress of complicated techniques.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet strawberry flavor combined with creamy cheesecake goodness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dump cake is always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and chill it until you’re ready to serve – perfect for planning ahead!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the star players in this recipe! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 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)
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Change the Fruit: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for blueberry or cherry to create your own unique flavor.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for an added texture contrast.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Create swirls of cream cheese throughout the cake layer by dolloping small amounts on top before adding the cake mix.
- Fruit Garnish: Use different fresh fruits like raspberries or blackberries as a beautiful garnish.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dump cake cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving so much easier later on!
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture adds richness and sweetness to your dump cake.
Step 4: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This fruity layer is what makes each slice burst with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheesecake Mixture
Spoon and gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer. Be gentle here to keep those gorgeous layers intact!
Step 6: Sprinkle on Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer. This will create that signature crumbly topping that everyone loves.
Step 7: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much surface as possible so it all gets that wonderful buttery flavor during baking.
Step 8: Bake It Up!
Bake in your preheated oven for about 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 9: Cool and Chill
Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 30 minutes. If you prefer firmer layers when serving, pop it into the fridge to chill before cutting.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Top with whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This delicious dessert is as simple as it is satisfying, and with a few helpful tips, you can make it even better!
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Use room temperature cream cheese: Softening the cream cheese allows for a smoother mixture, ensuring that your cheesecake layer is creamy and lump-free.
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Don’t skip the chilling step: Allowing the dump cake to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the layers set properly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
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Experiment with fresh fruits: Adding a layer of fresh strawberries or other berries on top not only looks beautiful but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich cheesecake and sweet strawberries.
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Try different cake mixes: While yellow cake mix is traditional, using lemon or vanilla cake mix can add an exciting twist to the flavor profile of your dump cake.
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving this delightful dessert is all about presentation. Here are some ideas to make your dump cake shine at any gathering!
Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint on top add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate syrup creates an indulgent touch and pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the fruity flavors of the dump cake.
- Fruit salad: A light fruit salad filled with seasonal berries will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake layers.
- Whipped cream: Extra whipped cream on the side allows guests to customize their servings and adds an extra creamy element.
- Coffee or tea: Serving a warm cup of coffee or tea alongside enhances the dessert experience, making it perfect for an afternoon treat or after dinner.
Now you’re all set to impress your friends and family with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- If you notice any excess moisture, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb it.
Freezing
- To freeze, allow the dump cake to cool completely.
- Cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
- For a crispy top, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses strawberry pie filling for convenience, you can substitute it with fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch for thickening.
How can I make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
How long does The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this dessert will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Can I add other fruits to this dump cake?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries along with strawberries for added flavor.
Can I prepare The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This dump cake is great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in creating The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! It’s not only easy to make but also brings smiles all around — perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every creamy, fruity bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy baking!
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a delightful dessert that harmonizes creamy cheesecake with a fruity strawberry layer and a buttery cake mix topping. This easy-to-make treat requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion — from casual family dinners to festive potlucks. Just layer your ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! Serve it warm for cozy nights or chilled for refreshing summer gatherings. With its luscious flavors and impressive presentation, this dump cake is guaranteed to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved (optional for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spoon and gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for about 30 minutes before serving; chill if desired.
- Top with whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
