There is something irresistibly delightful about this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe that makes it your next go-to dessert for any occasion. Imagine luscious strawberry pie filling bubbling beneath a rich swirl of creamy cheesecake, all topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a simple, fuss-free treat that delivers layers of flavor and texture with minimal effort, making it perfect whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving something sweet and satisfying. Once you try it, this recipe will be your secret weapon for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about keeping things straightforward but flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tangy cream cheese that adds that signature cheesecake richness, to the bright, fruity notes of the strawberry pie filling, finishing off with the crunchy, buttery cake topping that holds it all together. These humble ingredients combine instantly to create a stunning dessert.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides the perfect golden, tender topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Strawberry pie filling: Brings vibrant color and sweet, juicy fruitiness that bursts in every bite.
- Butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps the dry cake mix bake up into a moist, golden crust.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces), softened: Gives that signature creamy, tangy cheesecake layer that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just enough without overpowering the natural strawberry flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps smooth out the cream cheese mixture for an easy spreadable texture.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures the edges of your dump cake bake to a nice golden crisp, setting up a perfect foundation for the layers to come.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This vibrant layer packs all the fruity flavor that is key to this cake’s identity, so make sure it’s uniform to distribute those juicy strawberries throughout each slice.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the luscious cheesecake element of the dish, adding richness and tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet strawberries below.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture
Pour and gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling. This layer acts like a velvety bridge between the fruity base and the cake topping, creating complexity with such simple ingredients.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer. It might seem odd to put dry cake mix directly on top, but don’t worry—the magic happens once the butter melts and bakes the topping into the perfect crust.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is crucial because the butter moistens the dry cake mix, transforming it into a crisp, golden layer that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 45 to 50 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden color and starts bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen is pure deliciousness and a sure sign that your dessert is nearly ready.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to scoop up each decadent portion without any mess.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dump cake experience, try topping each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A few fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers can add a lovely decorative touch and extra texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or citrus sorbet, balancing out the richness of the cake. It also works wonderfully after a casual barbecue or a cozy family dinner as a sweet finale.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, layering it with extra fresh strawberries or crumbled cake topping as a parfait. This makes for a fun, shareable dessert experience that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining both the freshness of the strawberries and the creamy texture of the cheesecake layer.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this dump cake freezes beautifully. Just place individual servings or the whole pan in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving chilled.
Reheating
For a warm dessert, reheat portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until just warmed through. You can also pop the entire dish in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked magic.
FAQs
Do I need to thaw the cake before serving if frozen?
It’s best to thaw the cake overnight in the fridge for even texture and optimal flavor. However, you can reheat frozen slices straight from the freezer for a warm, comforting treat.
Can I substitute the strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries?
You can, but fresh strawberries won’t provide the same juicy, syrupy texture that a pie filling offers. If using fresh, consider cooking them down with some sugar and cornstarch to mimic the filling.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese beforehand?
Yes, softening the cream cheese ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating that creamy, luscious layer without lumps or graininess.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, experimenting with white or even spice cake mixes can add interesting flavor twists to this dump cake.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal to evenly distribute the layers and bake the cake properly. Using a significantly different size may affect the baking time and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients and effortless steps that come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Whether for a quick weeknight treat or a special celebration, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished staple in your recipe collection!
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Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful, no-fuss dessert that combines a luscious strawberry pie filling with a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with a buttery yellow cake mix. Perfect for gatherings or a quick sweet treat, this cake bakes to golden perfection with a bubbly, irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 1 can strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer Cheesecake Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture gently over the strawberry layer, spreading it evenly for a smooth second layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer to form the cake topping.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, which will help it bake into a golden, crisp topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling, signaling it’s perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to let the layers set neatly.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries cooked down with sugar and a little cornstarch in place of the pie filling for a fresher taste.
- For extra texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts on top before baking.
- This dump cake is best enjoyed slightly warm but also delicious cold.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
