Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of sweet strawberries, rich cream cheese, and buttery cake coming together in one effortless dessert. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate treat when you're craving something decadent but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I first made this dump cake when I needed a last-minute dessert for a family gathering. With just a handful of pantry staples and no complicated steps, it became an instant favorite. Now, I make it whenever I want a fuss-free yet irresistible dessert that everyone loves.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that's as easy as it is delicious. This dump cake takes all the flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake and transforms them into a warm, gooey delight.

First off, it's incredibly simple to make. True to its name, all you have to do is "dump" the ingredients into a baking dish—no mixing required!

It's also budget-friendly. You only need a few affordable ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.

The flavor is absolutely heavenly. The tangy cheesecake filling balances the sweet strawberries, while the buttery cake topping adds the perfect amount of crunch.

And let’s not forget about versatility. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge, this dessert is always a hit.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect bite.

Strawberry pie filling is the base of this cake, bringing in a rich, fruity sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap it for fresh strawberries mixed with sugar and cornstarch for a homemade touch.

Cream cheese gives this cake its luscious cheesecake element. I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat if needed.

Yellow cake mix is what creates that buttery, crumbly topping. You can also use white cake mix for a slightly lighter flavor, but yellow cake mix pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and strawberries.

Butter is the magic ingredient that helps turn the dry cake mix into a golden, crunchy topping. Make sure to use real butter and slice it thinly so it evenly melts into the cake mix as it bakes.

You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking. A glass or ceramic dish works best, but any oven-safe option will do.

How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Making this dump cake couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using fresh strawberries, mix them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch before spreading them out.

Next, dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the strawberry layer. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the cream cheese will melt into the filling as it bakes, creating delicious pockets of creamy goodness.

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. It’s important to spread it in an even layer so that every bite has the perfect balance of cake and fruit.

Thinly slice the butter and place the slices over the cake mix. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, turning the dry mix into a golden, crispy topping.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it will be molten hot straight out of the oven!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep the cake fresh.

For short-term storage, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

For longer storage, scoop individual portions into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.

To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain that crispy topping.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how easily you can switch things up to suit your taste.

For a different fruit flavor, swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling. Each one pairs wonderfully with the cheesecake and cake mix.

Want a richer cheesecake flavor? Double the cream cheese for an extra indulgent, creamy texture.

For a crunchy twist, sprinkle some chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the cake mix before baking. The nuts add a delightful crunch and a bit of toasty flavor.

To make it slightly less sweet, try using a butter pecan or spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. These options add depth and balance the sweetness of the fruit filling.

Experiment with different toppings! A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream takes this dessert to the next level.

No matter how you make it, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion!

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