Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both effortless and show-stopping, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your new best friend. Imagine a luscious cream cheese layer mingling with juicy strawberry pie filling, topped with a buttery, golden cake crust—all baked together in one pan. This dessert is perfect for last-minute gatherings, family dinners, or when you simply crave something sweet and comforting.

Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat, this dump cake delivers on taste, texture, and convenience. The best part? You don’t need to pull out multiple bowls or spend hours baking—this recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Effortless preparation: Just dump, layer, and bake—no complicated steps or mixers required.
• Decadent flavor: Creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry filling, and a buttery cake topping in every bite.
• Versatile dessert: Can be served warm, chilled, or with ice cream for a restaurant-style touch.
• Customizable: Swap strawberry pie filling with other fruit options like blueberry, peach, or cherry.
• Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make in large batches.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s exactly what you need for this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. The recipe yields 12 generous servings.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Topping:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Optional Serving Ideas:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries

Pro Tip: Using whole milk or full-fat cream cheese will give the richest, creamiest texture.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Hand mixer or whisk (optional for cream cheese layer)
• Measuring cups
• Oven

Having a good-quality spatula makes layering the cream cheese and pie filling much easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Layer the Strawberry Filling

Spread the entire strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will create a juicy, fruity base for your dump cake.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk vigorously by hand.

4. Add the Cream Cheese to the Dish

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about perfect coverage—the melting process will naturally spread the mixture during baking.

5. Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix over the cream cheese layer.

6. Drizzle with Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This ensures the top will bake into a golden, crisp topping.

7. Bake the Dump Cake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm for a gooey, comforting dessert or chilled for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Variations:

• Blueberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Swap strawberry pie filling with blueberry pie filling.
• Peach Cheesecake Dump Cake: Use canned peach pie filling for a summery twist.
• Mixed Berry: Combine raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a berry explosion.

Cream Cheese Options:

• For extra richness, increase cream cheese and powdered sugar to 16 oz and 1 cup respectively.
• Light cream cheese works if you want a slightly less rich dessert.

Topping Ideas:

• Sprinkle sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers on top before baking.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent finish.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet and tangy strawberry filling balanced by creamy, rich cheesecake and buttery cake topping.
• Texture: Soft, gooey cream cheese layer contrasts with the crisp golden cake layer.
• Pairings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh strawberries complement the sweetness.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360-400
Protein	5 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	35 g
Sodium	250 mg

This dessert is vegetarian-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare in Advance: Layer the pie filling, cream cheese, and cake mix the night before and store in the fridge. Bake fresh the next day.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Serve warm by microwaving individual portions for 20-30 seconds, or reheat the entire dish at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free pie filling to make this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before layering to avoid a watery cake.

3. How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?
Dropping spoonfuls over the pie filling rather than spreading ensures it stays in place during baking.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or make two 9×13 inch pans. Adjust baking time slightly for even cooking.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep	10 minutes
Bake	35-40 minutes
Cool & Serve	5-10 minutes
Total	45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a gooey, indulgent treat.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for a pretty presentation.
• Slice into 12 equal portions for easy plating at parties or family dinners.

Ingredient Spotlight

1. Cream Cheese

• Use full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess.
• Let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Pairs perfectly with powdered sugar for a smooth, sweet cheesecake layer.

2. Strawberry Pie Filling

• Provides natural sweetness and fruit flavor.
• Look for fillings with real fruit chunks for texture.
• Can be swapped with other fruit fillings for versatility.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a spatula to gently spread layers without mixing them together.
• Make sure butter is melted evenly over the cake mix to achieve a golden crust.
• Allow a few minutes to cool before serving warm to avoid burns and allow the layers to set slightly.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can freeze for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly with foil and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer.
2. Coconut Strawberry Dump Cake: Mix shredded coconut into the cake mix before baking.
3. Mini Dump Cakes: Prepare in muffin tins for individual servings, baking for 20-25 minutes.
4. Berry Medley Dump Cake: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for extra color and flavor.

Expanded Conclusion

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a must-have recipe for busy cooks who still want to impress. Its simplicity, coupled with indulgent flavor, makes it perfect for weeknight desserts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Whether you serve it warm and gooey or chilled with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a dessert that’s always a hit.

With a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a spectacular result, this dump cake proves that easy doesn’t mean boring. Customize it with different fruits, toppings, or garnishes to make it your own signature dessert.

Try this recipe today, share it with your family and friends, and discover why Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere.

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