Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you love decadent desserts with minimal fuss, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine sweet strawberry pie filling layered with velvety cheesecake and a golden, buttery cake topping—every spoonful is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures. This effortless recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and delivers irresistible results that taste far more impressive than the humble steps involved. Whether you’re baking for a party, potluck, or just to treat yourself, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake never fails to steal the show.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its short, sweet ingredient list. Each element has an important role to play, from building fruity layers to creating a luscious cheesecake swirl. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each component):

• Strawberry pie filling (1 21-ounce can): Delivers juicy sweetness and the beautiful ruby red base for the cake.
• Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened and cubed): Adds that dreamy, tart creaminess to balance the fruit and cake.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just enough without stealing the limelight.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out flavors and brings depth to the cream cheese mixture.
• Yellow cake mix (1 15.25-ounce box): The “dump cake” secret—provides a tender golden crust with almost no effort.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Ensures a golden, buttery finish as it melts into the cake mix.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Helps the cake topping bake up fluffy and moist.
• Optional toppings: fresh strawberries or whipped cream: Adds an extra flourish and freshness when serving.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep every bit of cake easy to serve and prevent sticking. This quick step ensures a perfect, easy release later on when your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is ready to enjoy.

Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Spoon the luscious strawberry pie filling right onto the bottom of your baking dish, spreading it out for an even layer. This forms a fruity, jammy foundation that simmers and thickens under the cake, infusing every bite with sweet strawberry flavor.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until beautifully smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps—those create little bursts of cheesecake flavor throughout. Drop spoonfuls of this creamy mixture across the strawberry layer; it doesn’t need to be perfect! The magic of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is in its rustic, swirled look.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Topping

Open up your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface, covering all the cheesecake dollops. This may look a little odd, but trust the process: as the cake bakes, the mix transforms into a tender, golden crust over the bubbling strawberry and cream cheese layers.

Step 5: Pour the Liquid Gold

Combine the melted butter and milk in a bowl and pour this mixture evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible—this is the key to getting a perfect, craggy top with that signature dump cake crispiness. Resist the urge to stir; everything will meld just right in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly and caramelized. Allow the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to cool slightly so the filling sets and the flavors deepen. Now comes the hardest part—not diving in immediately!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

This cake practically begs for a finishing touch. Try a generous cloud of whipped cream, a scatter of fresh strawberry slices, or even a dusting of powdered sugar if you want a little extra sweetness and visual appeal. These garnishes not only look beautiful but also add a fresh, creamy note that complements each warm, gooey bite.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is decadent enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of tangy yogurt on the side. If you’re serving it as part of a dessert spread, consider lighter options like fruit salad or lemony shortbread cookies to balance the rich, fruity flavors of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, serve the cake straight from the pan with a large spoon for that cozy, homespun feel. Want to make it extra special? Layer scoops of the dump cake with whipped cream in individual glasses for a stunning layered parfait look. You can even bake the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in ramekins for adorable single-serving desserts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will happily keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and some say the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for future desserts! Let the cake cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual servings into the microwave for 30–45 seconds until warmed through, or reheat a larger portion at 325°F in the oven for about 10–15 minutes. The cake tastes fantastic either warm, straight from the oven, or chilled, depending on your mood.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned filling?

You can! If you’d like to use fresh strawberries, toss them with sugar and a little cornstarch to create a thick, pie-like layer. However, the canned filling is what makes the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake so easy and guarantees that gooey, sweet result every time.

Do I have to use yellow cake mix?

Nope! While yellow cake mix is classic, you can substitute white or even strawberry cake mix if you prefer a different flavor or color. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly depending on the brand and type.

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients (especially the pie filling) are gluten-free. The cake will be just as delicious and crowd-pleasing!

How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?

You’re looking for a golden, crisp top and bubbly edges. If the cake mix still looks powdery in spots, let it bake another 5–10 minutes and check again—the melted butter and milk should soak into every inch before it’s ready.

What’s the best way to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake at a party?

For gatherings, bake the cake right in a disposable foil pan for stress-free transport, then top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving. This dessert is meant to be shared, so hand out plenty of spoons and let everyone dig in!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for a dessert that marries irresistible flavors with unbeatable ease, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. With its bright berries, rich cheesecake swirls, and crispy-topped cake, you’re just minutes away from a treat everyone will crave. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your most requested recipe!

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