Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
If you adore the flavors of cheesecake and crave the ease of a one-pan dessert, you’re going to fall head over heels for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This recipe layers luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy pockets of cheesecake, and a buttery yellow cake mix topping for a treat that’s both incredibly easy and sure to wow any crowd. From family gatherings to lazy Sunday cravings, this super-simple bake will instantly become your go-to dessert fix—and likely the most requested dish at your next get-together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a special role to play—bringing richness, color, and that crave-worthy combination of fruit and cream cheese. Just a few staples are all you need for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, and when they come together, it’s as if magic happens in your oven.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 21-ounce can): The sweet, tangy base loaded with juicy fruit flavor—store-bought makes this super quick, but you can use homemade if you’re feeling fancy!
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened and cubed): Brings that dreamy cheesecake texture and a rich, satisfying tang to every forkful.
- Yellow cake mix (1 15.25-ounce box): The secret shortcut that becomes a golden, buttery crust as it bakes on top of the fruit and cheese.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Responsible for moistening the cake mix and giving you that perfectly crisp, golden finish.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A tiny splash brings out the nostalgic, bakery-fresh aroma and flavor throughout the dessert.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For extra sweetness and melty pockets of indulgence—highly recommended if you’re a white chocolate fan!
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream (for topping, optional): The perfect finishing touches to amp up the freshness and create an irresistibly pretty dessert plate.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—the ideal temperature for that bubbling, golden finish. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it, either with nonstick spray or a little swipe of butter. This extra step ensures your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake comes out clean and easy to serve every time.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Open up your can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to get a nice, smooth layer. This is your fruity base and will give each bite a gorgeous, jammy center.
Step 3: Dot with Cream Cheese
Next, scatter the cubed, softened cream cheese all over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about perfection here—the cream cheese will melt into pockets of creamy goodness as the cake bakes, adding that classic cheesecake flavor and texture to your dump cake.
Step 4: Sprinkle Dry Cake Mix
Pour the dry yellow cake mix right over the filling and cream cheese, making sure to cover everything as evenly as possible. No mixing, no fussing—just a thick, fluffy layer ready for its buttery transformation.
Step 5: Drizzle on the Butter and Vanilla
Combine the melted butter with the vanilla extract and drizzle the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. This step is key! Moistening as much of the dry cake mix as possible guarantees you’ll get those tempting, golden-brown crispy bits across the top.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re opting for the white chocolate chips (and seriously, why not?), scatter them over the top. As the dump cake bakes, you’ll get melty, sweet bursts throughout—a delicious upgrade!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top, crispy edges, and bubbling strawberry filling around the sides. Let the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool just a bit before serving so it’s set but still warm and gooey. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
For the ultimate presentation, generously dollop whipped cream on each serving and pile on a handful of fresh strawberry slices. The cream adds airy richness while the berries bring brightness and extra color—within seconds, your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake transforms into a celebration-worthy dessert.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a star on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd, pair it with a big pitcher of iced tea or a fizzy fruit spritzer to balance the sweet, creamy notes. For something extra decadent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try scooping the dump cake into individual ramekins or mason jars—perfect for picnics or parties. You can even layer it parfait-style with whipped cream and extra strawberries for a show-stopping trifle effect. Don’t be afraid to play with your presentation and make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (lucky you!), simply cover the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days—making sneaky midnight treats totally justified.
Freezing
This dessert freezes well! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole pan (well-sealed) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave single servings for 30–45 seconds until warm. If you prefer crispier edges, pop the pan or slices into a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Add your toppings just before serving for that bakery-style flair.
FAQs
Can I use a different pie filling for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, you can easily swap in raspberry, blueberry, cherry, or even a mix of your favorites. Just be sure to use the same size can for perfect results every time.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to cube and results in smoother melting during baking. If you forget, just microwave it for 10–20 seconds at a time until soft but not liquid.
What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?
White cake mix or even a strawberry-flavored cake mix are delicious alternatives. Each will give your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a slightly different flavor twist—experiment and see which you love most!
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check the labels on your other ingredients, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free version the whole family can enjoy.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
Look for a golden, crisp top and edges with the strawberry filling bubbling up along the sides. If you gently tap the center and it feels set (not jiggly), it’s ready to come out and cool.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake enough for its delicious simplicity and crowd-friendly charm. If you try just one new dessert this season, let it be this one—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears! Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to help, and soon you’ll be savoring spoonfuls of blissful, berry-studded cheesecake magic.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, and yellow cake mix with this easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Perfect for a quick and delicious dessert fix!
Ingredients
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Ingredients:
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer ingredients: Spread the strawberry pie filling in the baking dish. Dot the cream cheese cubes over the filling. Sprinkle the dry cake mix, then drizzle with melted butter. Add white chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly at the edges. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Notes
- For a tangier twist, use a mix of strawberry and raspberry pie filling.
- This dessert is best served warm, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
