Are you craving a truly decadent dessert but find yourself short on time and energy? Imagine the sweet, luscious flavor of strawberries combined with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, all topped with a buttery, golden cake crust. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve this level of dessert perfection. In fact, this easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is your ticket to a heavenly treat with minimal effort. This recipe is specifically designed for anyone who loves big flavor without a big fuss. Consequently, it’s about to become your new go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, or any night you need a simple, comforting sweet.
A dump cake is the ultimate kitchen hack for busy bakers. Moreover, its beauty lies in its simplicity. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish without needing mixing bowls or complicated steps. Therefore, if you can open a can and a box, you can successfully make this incredible dessert. This particular Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe elevates the classic dump cake by adding a surprise layer of creamy cheesecake filling, which transforms it from a simple fruit cobbler into an unforgettable dessert experience. Let’s get started on creating this amazing treat.
What Exactly Is a Dump Cake?
For those new to the concept, a dump cake is a wonderfully simple dessert that falls somewhere between a cobbler and a cake. The name perfectly describes the process: you dump canned fruit or pie filling into a baking dish, add other layers, and then top it all off with dry cake mix and butter. As it bakes, the butter melts and combines with the cake mix to form a delicious, crumbly, and slightly crunchy topping. There’s no need to stir the layers together; in fact, the magic happens when you don’t.
Essentially, this method creates distinct layers of flavor and texture with almost no effort. The bottom layer is typically a warm, gooey fruit base. In the case of our strawberry cheesecake version, we add an extra layer of creamy goodness. Then, the top layer provides that satisfying cake-like crunch. As a result, you get a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it comes together in just a few minutes.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe: The 5 Ultimate Steps to Dessert Heaven
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping—all with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box yellow or butter golden cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and sliced into pats
Non-stick cooking spray or butter, for greasing
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the strawberry layer.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Do not stir.
5. Arrange the cold butter pats evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
Use very cold butter and slice it evenly to ensure the top browns and crisps properly.
Do not stir the layers; the separation of ingredients is what gives dump cakes their distinct texture.
To prevent over-browning, loosely cover edges with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking if needed.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Experiment with different fruit fillings or cake mix flavors for fun variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
There are countless reasons why this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. Beyond its incredible taste, its convenience is a major selling point. Here are a few key reasons you are going to fall in love with this treat.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: First and foremost, this recipe is foolproof. With just a few simple layering steps, you can have it in the oven in under 10 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for beginner bakers or for when you need a last-minute dessert.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: Furthermore, you don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything required can easily be found at your local grocery store, and you might already have most items in your pantry.
- The Perfect Combination of Flavors: This isn’t just a simple fruit dessert. Instead, it combines the comforting sweetness of a strawberry cobbler with the rich tang of a classic cheesecake. The textures, from the gooey fruit to the creamy center and crunchy topping, are simply divine.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making it for your family or bringing it to a party, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is always a hit. It’s a warm, comforting dessert that appeals to all ages. For another dessert that’s perfect for sharing, you might also love these no-bake mini cheesecakes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Dump Cake
One of the best parts of this recipe is its short and simple ingredient list. You only need a handful of items to create this spectacular dessert. Here is what you will need to gather before you begin.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: Two cans of strawberry pie filling create the sweet, fruity base of our cake. Using canned filling is a fantastic shortcut that guarantees perfect results every time. Additionally, strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, as noted by Healthline.
- Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, is essential for the cheesecake layer. Softening it ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Granulated Sugar: You will need a little sugar to sweeten the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind the cheesecake layer, giving it a rich and creamy consistency as it bakes.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cheesecake filling.
- Yellow Cake Mix: One box of classic yellow or butter golden cake mix creates the delicious, buttery topping. Do not prepare it according to the box directions; you will be using the dry mix.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need two sticks of cold, unsalted butter, which you will slice into thin pats. This is the secret to achieving a perfectly crisp and golden topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part. Follow these five simple steps to create the most amazing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake you’ve ever tasted. Remember, the key is not to overthink it—just dump and go!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. You should lightly grease the dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking. This simple preparation ensures that serving will be clean and easy later on.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry and Cheesecake Layers
To begin, open the two cans of strawberry pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to beat until everything is well combined. After that, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the top of the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; it will settle and create delicious pockets of creaminess as it bakes.
Step 3: Add the Dry Cake Mix
Next, open the box of yellow cake mix. Sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the top of the strawberry and cheesecake layers. It is very important that you do not stir it in. Instead, just gently spread it out to ensure the entire surface is covered. This dry layer is what will transform into the golden, crispy topping.
Step 4: Top with Butter and Bake
Now, take your two sticks of cold butter and slice them into thin pats, about 1/4-inch thick. Arrange the butter slices in a single layer across the top of the dry cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. As the cake bakes, the butter will melt down into the mix, creating that irresistible cobbler-like crust. Subsequently, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Finally, once the dump cake is baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven. It is crucial to let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit, making it easier to serve. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is absolutely delicious served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake Every Time
While this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can help ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Cold Butter: For the best results, always use very cold butter. Slicing cold butter allows for more even distribution than melting it, which can create soggy spots.
- Don’t Stir: Resist the temptation to mix the layers. The distinct layers are what make a dump cake so unique and delicious. The magic is in the separation.
- Cover Edges if Needed: If you notice the edges of the cake browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Storage: Leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Fun Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily switch things up to create a new dessert experience. For instance, you could try using different fruit fillings. Cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling would work wonderfully with the cheesecake layer. If you love fruit desserts, you must try this Lemon Blueberry Delight Cake as well. You can also experiment with different cake mixes; a white cake mix, lemon cake mix, or even a strawberry cake mix would add a fun twist. For extra texture, consider sprinkling a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a high-impact dessert with very low effort. It masterfully combines the classic flavors of strawberry and cheesecake into one warm, gooey, and satisfying dish. Because it requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients, it’s an accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Remember that enjoying delicious treats like this can be a wonderful part of a balanced lifestyle, as advocated by experts at the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, the next time a dessert craving hits, give this incredible recipe a try and watch it become an instant family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but it requires an extra step. You would need to cook about 4-5 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries with sugar and a cornstarch slurry to create a pie-filling consistency before adding it to the dish. For convenience, canned pie filling is highly recommended.
Do I need to mix the cake mix with any liquid?
No, and this is a crucial point for a successful dump cake. The dry cake mix is sprinkled directly over the other ingredients. The moisture from the fruit filling and the melting butter will bake into the mix, creating the perfect crumbly topping.
How do I store leftover strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
Leftovers should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Because of the cream cheese layer, it must be refrigerated. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
