Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a playful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as effortless as it is scrumptious, Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake needs to go straight to the top of your dessert list. Imagine a dessert where tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry pie filling mingle beneath a buttery, golden cake topping. It’s a delightful twist on classic dump cake—with a creamy, cheesecake-inspired surprise in every bite. This recipe is a sweet shortcut to happiness that will make you feel like a dessert genius (even if you’re short on time or kitchen gadgets).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic behind Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is just how little you need to create something that looks and tastes so impressive. Each component brings its own unique flair, working together to deliver mouthwatering flavors and irresistible textures in every spoonful.
- Strawberry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz): All the sweet-tart strawberry flavor you crave, no extra prep work required—just open and spread!
- Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 oz; cubed and softened): This is where the “cheesecake” magic happens, delivering rich creaminess and a touch of tang throughout the cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The hero shortcut that creates a fluffy, golden top layer, soaking up the buttery goodness.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Gives you that melt-in-your-mouth richness and helps transform cake mix into a luscious crust.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a cozy, bakery-style depth—especially delicious with the strawberries and cream cheese.
- Pecans or Sliced Almonds (¼ cup, optional): Sprinkle for added crunch and a subtle nutty finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and fruity layers.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing will stick and makes for the easiest possible cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re scooping out those first servings!
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—a little swooshing with a spoon is all it takes to create that vibrant, fruity base that starts the easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake off with a burst of color and sweetness.
Step 3: Dot with Cream Cheese Cubes
Scatter your cream cheese cubes over the strawberry layer. Space them out for maximum creamy bites throughout every serving. If you’re feeling a little extra, drizzle the cream cheese with a touch of vanilla extract—just a hint is enough to elevate the flavor!
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly across the top. Resist the urge to stir! Dump cake magic happens when the layers bake undisturbed, creating distinct pockets of cake, fruit, and cheesecake.
Step 5: Pour on the Butter and Add Nuts
Drizzle your melted butter slowly and evenly over the surface, making sure to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible. If you like a little crunch, this is the moment to sprinkle your pecans or sliced almonds over the top for a nutty finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strawberry edges are bubbly. Let the easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake cool for a few minutes—just enough so you don’t burn your tongue but can still enjoy all the gooey, warm deliciousness.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
A dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, or even a dusting of powdered sugar will make each serving extra-special. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm dump cake is pure joy—trust me, it’s a combo your guests won’t forget!
Side Dishes
Since Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is wonderfully sweet and rich, try pairing it with something light and fresh: think a simple fruit salad, or perhaps some lemony iced tea. These little touches offer a refreshing balance and make dessert feel like a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this humble dessert into a showstopper by serving in individual ramekins for a picnic-ready treat or layering with additional fresh berries in a trifle dish for a striking display. You can even chill the cake and cut it into bars for a sweet grab-and-go option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making those leftovers extra tempting.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this dump cake! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire baking dish in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil. It keeps well for up to 2 months; just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F oven until it’s warmed through. Enjoy it warm for maximum gooey deliciousness!
FAQs
Can I use a different pie filling?
Definitely! While the easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake truly shines with strawberries, you can swap in blueberry, cherry, or raspberry pie filling for a fun flavor twist. Just use the same quantity and bake as directed.
Do I need to bring the cream cheese to room temperature?
It’s best if the cream cheese is softened before cubing; this makes it easier to scatter and helps it melt more evenly into the cake, giving you those signature creamy swirls in every bite.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. Double-check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, and you’ll have a treat that everyone can enjoy.
Why shouldn’t I stir the cake mix into the layers?
Not stirring is the secret to that classic dump cake texture! By simply layering, the butter moistens the cake mix just enough to form a golden, cobbler-like crust while leaving the fruit and cream cheese luscious and gooey underneath.
Can nuts be omitted or replaced?
Absolutely. The nuts are optional for extra crunch, but you can skip them or swap in your favorite variety—walnuts or hazelnuts would both be delicious, or try unsweetened coconut flakes for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a low-effort, high-reward dessert, Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your new best friend. It’s a sweet reminder that you don’t need fancy tools or all day in the kitchen to whip up something oh-so-satisfying. Grab your ingredients, dive in, and enjoy every delicious, gooey bite—you (and your lucky tasters) won’t regret it!
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Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this super simple Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. With layers of strawberry pie filling, creamy cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. Dot the cream cheese cubes over the top of the filling. Sprinkle with vanilla extract if using.
- Add the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top—do not stir. Pour the melted butter evenly over the surface, moistening the cake mix. Add nuts if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy on its own or with ice cream.
Notes
- You can use other pie fillings like blueberry or cherry.
- For a crispier topping, use cold butter and slice into thin pats across the top instead of melted butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
