Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an effortless dessert that’s a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery cake topping. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or craving something sweet. It’s called a “dump cake” because you simply “dump” everything into the pan – no mixing, no fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, anyone can put together this cake in no time.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick dessert fix, this cake fits the bill.
• Rich flavors: The combination of tangy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and a golden buttery topping makes each bite irresistible.
• Minimal clean-up: Since everything is layered in one dish, there’s little clean-up afterward.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Strawberry pie filling
• Yellow cake mix
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the strawberry filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Add the cheesecake mixture: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling and gently spread it to cover.
4. Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cheesecake and strawberry layers.
5. Top with butter: Thinly slice the butter and lay the pieces evenly over the cake mix.
6. Bake: Bake the dump cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 10-12 servings.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate lovers: Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix and create a chocolate-strawberry cheesecake version.
• Add nuts: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking.
• Blueberry twist: Substitute strawberry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a different fruity flavor.
• Lemon flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty, citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply replace the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

You can, but using pie filling adds a smoother, sweeter consistency. Fresh strawberries may result in a more watery filling, so you may want to add some sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.

Can I freeze this cake?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or apple for a unique twist.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

To soften cream cheese quickly, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds on low power, or let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Should the butter be melted or sliced for the topping?

For this recipe, it’s best to slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly over the cake mix.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, though the texture and flavor might be slightly less rich.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this in a slow cooker by layering the ingredients the same way and cooking on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet flavors of strawberries. Whether you’re short on time or just want to whip up something delicious without too much effort, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it with different fruit fillings or toppings to make it your own!

Print