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When you want an irresistible dessert that feels both comforting and effortlessly impressive, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe steps in like a sweet little miracle. This dessert takes simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and transforms them into a luscious, fruity, and creamy treat that delights every crowd. With its combination of bright strawberry pie filling, dreamy pockets of cheesecake, and the golden crumbly cake topping, this dessert is an absolute joy to make and enjoy anytime you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe comes from its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor and texture. From the tangy cream cheese helping to create those rich cheesecake pockets, to the sweet strawberry pie filling adding vibrant fruitiness, and the yellow cake mix that crisps to perfection—each ingredient is essential to achieving that perfect balance.
- Yellow cake mix: This forms the crumbly, buttery crust and topping, giving delightful texture contrast.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz): Provides juicy sweetness and that classic strawberry flavor that makes this cake sing.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates smooth, tangy pockets that mimic cheesecake without fuss.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, balancing out the tartness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Ensures the cake topping bakes up golden and crisp without being dry.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic notes that deepen the overall flavor.
- Optional garnishes: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream to elevate presentation and fresh flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Start by evenly spreading the entire can of strawberry pie filling across the bottom of your baking dish. This juicy layer forms the fruity foundation of your dessert and ensures each bite bursts with bright strawberry flavor. Be gentle when spreading so you keep that luscious filling intact rather than mixing it too much.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the key to those delightful creamy pockets throughout the cake. Don’t worry about dolloping it perfectly—dropping spoonfuls in uneven spots actually adds charm and makes each bite uniquely delicious.
Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Dollops
Using a spoon, gently drop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling in small spoonfuls. The uneven distribution lets the cheesecake pockets bake in nestled pockets of strawberry, creating bursts of creamy goodness throughout the finished cake.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix and Butter
Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. The dry mix might look scattered but that’s perfect—it will soak up the buttery goodness and soften as it bakes. Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface, making sure to cover as much as possible to achieve a golden, crisp topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled dish into a preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly at the edges. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma, promising a dessert that’s just as good as it smells.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, this cake shines with a simple garnish of fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. The fresh fruit adds a fresh brightness that complements the baked strawberries in the pie filling, while whipped cream brings a cloud of lightness to each slice.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is delicious all on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to turn it into a decadent celebration dessert. A cup of hot coffee or tea also balances the sweetness beautifully for a cozy treat any day.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this dessert for guests, consider baking it in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with extra whipped cream and strawberries to turn the dump cake into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld as it rests, making leftovers almost as tempting as fresh-baked slices.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or a warm oven to revive the warm, gooey texture that makes this dessert so comforting. Just 30 seconds in the microwave or 10 minutes at 325°F should do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! While strawberry pie filling is classic and delicious, cherry or blueberry pie filling also works beautifully, offering different fruity notes while keeping the essence of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese is important to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, creating those luscious cheesecake pockets and preventing lumps in your dump cake.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
You can try other cake mixes like white or even spice cake for a twist, but yellow cake mix offers the perfect buttery crumb and balance of sweetness that complements the strawberry and cheesecake layers best.
Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensuring the pie filling is gluten-free makes this dessert suitable for those avoiding gluten, without losing any of its luscious charm.
What is the best baking dish size?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, providing the ideal depth for layers to cook evenly and for those lovely bubbly edges to develop.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as effortless to make as it is incredible to eat, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe should become your new go-to. It’s a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing treat with layers of flavor and texture that feel luxurious but come together in a snap. I promise, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe for celebrations, weeknight treats, and everything in between.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines sweet strawberry pie filling with creamy pockets of cheesecake, topped with a golden yellow cake mix. Perfect for any occasion, this dump cake requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with a luscious, creamy texture and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a fruity base layer.
- Make the cheesecake mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will provide rich, creamy pockets throughout the cake.
- Assemble the cheesecake layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the strawberry pie filling. It’s okay if it’s uneven; these pockets will bake into delicious cheesecake bits.
- Add the dry cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the entire surface, covering all other layers.
- Pour butter over cake mix: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix layer to ensure a moist, golden crust once baked.
- Bake the dump cake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture.
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with white cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- This recipe does not require any special equipment beyond a standard oven and mixing bowls.
