If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make yet impressively delicious, you’re in for a treat with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. This dessert combines the gooey richness of cheesecake with the bright, fruity burst of strawberries all topped with a golden, buttery cake crust that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweet strawberries that add natural juiciness, to the cream cheese mixture that brings luxurious creaminess, all perfectly balanced by the buttery cake topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Yellow cake mix: The dry cake mix forms a golden, crisp topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy layers beneath.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Melting the butter allows it to soak into the cake mix, creating that irresistible, crunchy crust.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 can): This provides a sweet, juicy base packed with strawberry flavor that’s perfectly thick and luscious.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Softened cream cheese lends a rich, silky texture and tangy depth that elevates the entire dessert.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Adding sweetness and smoothing out the cream cheese, it enhances the cheesecake layer beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla rounds out flavors and adds warmth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Fresh berries on top provide a burst of freshness and a pop of vibrant color just before serving.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and silky. This creamy layer is the luscious heart of the dessert that balances the tang of the strawberries and sweetness of the cake.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Base
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom. This juicy, fruity layer will infuse the cake with a beautiful berry flavor and moisture as it bakes.
Step 3: Dollop the Cream Cheese Mixture
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture all over the strawberry filling. These pockets of creamy cheesecake goodness will melt slightly during baking, creating delightful swirls and layers beneath the cake topping.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface. This butter helps the cake mix bake into a delectable golden crust that’s every bit as important as what’s underneath.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and you see bubbling fruit juices peeking through the crust. The combination of textures and flavors at this point is simply irresistible.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give the cake a little time to cool so the layers set nicely. Just before serving, artfully scatter fresh sliced strawberries over the top to add a burst of freshness and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are the perfect garnish to complement the richness of this dessert. You can also add a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch that elevates its visual appeal and taste.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess of these sides balances the warm, fruity cake and makes every bite more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Alternatively, layering it in a trifle bowl with extra strawberries and whipped cream can transform it into a fantastic show-stopping dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake either baked or unbaked. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving chilled – just keep in mind the texture is best fresh.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Reheating brings back that lovely aroma and makes the cake soft and luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Using fresh strawberries will give a lighter, less sweet flavor but you might want to add a bit of sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the texture and sweetness of pie filling.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening cream cheese ensures it’s smooth and easier to mix with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, which creates the perfect creamy layer without lumps.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix, but make sure the other ingredients, especially the pie filling, do not contain hidden gluten. Taste and texture may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
You can use a similarly sized oven-safe dish or two smaller pans. Just watch the baking time closely as it might vary slightly based on the depth and size of the dish.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, be sure to drizzle the melted butter evenly and avoid stirring the cake mix into the filling. This allows the butter to soak properly and the topping to bake perfectly crisp.
Final Thoughts
Once you try The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for how effortlessly it turns pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself (and those you love) to this wonderfully indulgent, wonderfully easy cake. Happy baking!
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The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the ease of a dump cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the fresh sweetness of strawberries. Layers of strawberry pie filling, a luscious cream cheese mixture, and a crunchy yellow cake topping come together effortlessly for a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 1 can of strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom to create a fruity base layer.
- Add Cream Cheese Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry filling, distributing the creamy pockets throughout the dessert.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top of the cream cheese and strawberry layers, creating the crumbly cake topping.
- Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the sprinkled cake mix to moisten it and help it bake into a golden crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked cake to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries on top for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
- You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white or funfetti mix for variation.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Let the cake cool fully if you prefer a firmer slice that holds together better.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
