It’s hard to resist the charm of a dessert that feels both homemade and indulgent without spending all day in the kitchen. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings together the nostalgia of classic cheesecake and the bright sweetness of strawberries in one effortless bake. From the moment you blend the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, there’s a sense of comfort in the air—one that reminds me of summer barbecues with friends or a cozy weekend brunch on the patio. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast: a creamy, tangy layer that melts into warm, juicy strawberry filling, all crowned by a buttery, golden crumb that cracks just right under your spoon.
This beginner-friendly treat lives up to its subtitle—_A Simple and Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for Any Occasion!_ Whether you’re whipping this up for a lazy Tuesday dessert, an impromptu potluck recipe, or a summer treat to beat the heat, you’ll appreciate how straightforward and quick it is. With just 15 minutes of prep time and about 45–50 minutes in the oven, you can have a beautiful dessert on the table in no time. After a brief 10-minute rest, it’s ready to serve warm or at room temperature. With approximately 320 calories per serving and an overall difficulty level marked as Beginner, this Dessert course is a fail-safe hit for any crowd craving an easy dessert that feels spectacular.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE DUMP CAKE
Before we dive into the fun of baking, let’s talk about the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a unique role, coming together to create a harmony of flavor and texture that elevates a simple dump cake into something truly memorable.
- Cream Cheese
Provides a rich, tangy base layer that gives this dump cake its signature cheesecake feel. When whipped together with sugar and vanilla, it becomes luxuriously smooth and ensures every bite has that irresistible creamy quality.
- Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the cream cheese layer while also helping it achieve a silky consistency. It balances the tartness and bright fruit flavors, ensuring the dessert doesn’t lean too sour.
- Vanilla Extract
Adds fragrant warmth and depth, enhancing both the cheesecake and strawberry components. Just a teaspoon brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit and smoothness of the cream cheese.
- Strawberry Pie Filling
Acts as the juicy, sweet fruit layer. The pre-made filling keeps this dessert quick and mess-free, delivering plump strawberry pieces suspended in a glossy, jam-like sauce.
- Yellow Cake Mix
Serves as the convenient “dump” component, creating a tender, buttery crumb topping once baked. Because you don’t stir it in, it develops pockets of soft cake and crisp edges in every nook.
- Unsalted Butter
When melted and drizzled over the dry cake mix, it transforms it into a golden, crisp crown. Butter is key for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture on top.
- Pecans or Walnuts (optional)
Offer extra crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor. These are perfect if you want a contrast to the creamy layers, but you can skip them for a simpler finish.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving, optional)
Adds that final flourish—light and cool on warm cake, or creamy and sweet alongside room-temperature slices. It’s the little treat that turns great into unforgettable.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE DUMP CAKE
Before you know it, you’ll be pulling a bubbling pan of strawberry cheesecake magic out of the oven. Follow these steps to layer flavors and textures perfectly every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or sturdy whisk to beat until smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it into an even layer that will bake into the creamy cheesecake base.
4. Spoon the strawberry pie filling in an even layer over the cream cheese, distributing it from edge to edge so every bite after baking is fruit-filled.
5. Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it over the strawberry filling. Make sure the dry mix completely covers the fruit—do not stir or press it in.
6. Drizzle the melted butter in thin streams across the top of the cake mix, aiming to coat as many dry spots as possible. This ensures the cake mix will bake into a crispy, buttery topping.
7. If you love nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the surface—these will toast as the cake bakes, adding a delightful crunch.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45–50 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
9. Carefully remove the pan and let the cake cool slightly for about 10 minutes, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to scoop.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE DUMP CAKE
There’s something truly comforting about dishing out warm dessert straight from the oven, but elevating its presentation and pairing can take it from homey to show-stopping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these serving ideas will make each slice even more irresistible.
- Family-Style Sharing Platter
Scoop generous portions into individual dessert bowls and place them on a large tray for an informal, communal feel. Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each serving to introduce a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
- Elegant Dinner Party
Use straight-sided rings or ramekins to mold individual servings, then unmold carefully onto dessert plates. Dust with powdered sugar and top with a few fresh strawberry slices for a refined, restaurant-quality look.
- Ice Cream Sundae Twist
Layer a warm cake scoop in a tall glass, followed by a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of strawberry pie filling, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Serve with a long-handled spoon and straw for a fun, interactive dessert.
- Al Fresco Picnic Style
Pack pre-cut squares in wax paper or parchment-lined containers. Keep whipped cream or ice cream in a separate chilled tub, so guests can add their own cool, creamy topping on a sunny afternoon in the park.
HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE DUMP CAKE
One of the best parts of this dump cake is how well it holds up in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weekends or surprise guests. Proper storage will keep your layers distinct and flavors bright for days.
Whether you have slices left over after a celebration or you’re prepping ahead for a gathering, you can maintain that fresh-from-the-oven quality with a few simple steps. By storing your cake correctly, you preserve the moist, creamy cheesecake layer, the juicy fruit center, and the crisp, buttery topping without letting them become soggy or stale. Here are some tried-and-true methods to keep your dessert tasting as good as the first bite:
- Airtight Container in the Refrigerator
Place cooled leftovers in a sealed container to prevent drying out and to protect from absorbing other fridge odors. Consume within 3 days for the best texture and flavor.
- Individual Portions Wrapped and Chilled
Wrap each slice snugly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag or airtight box. This makes it easy to grab a single serving and reheat in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds until warm.
- Freezer-Friendly Method
If you want to freeze it, wrap the entire cake (or individual pieces) in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating.
- Cover with Cling Film at Room Temperature
If you plan to serve it within a few hours, simply cover the baking dish tightly with cling film. This protects the topping from air exposure and keeps the filling luscious until you’re ready to indulge.
CONCLUSION
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake has everything we love in a dessert: a creamy cheesecake foundation, vibrant strawberry sweetness, and a golden cake topping that practically begs you to dive in with a spoon. In under an hour, this beginner-friendly recipe transforms pantry staples—cream cheese, yellow cake mix, and strawberry pie filling—into a standout potluck recipe or summer treat. Its ease of preparation and foolproof layering method make it ideal for busy home cooks and enthusiastic bakers alike. Don’t forget the little finishing touches—perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts—to add texture and temperature contrast that truly brings each bite to life. You’ll find yourself returning to this dish again and again, whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or simply craving a sweet reward after a long day.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—you can keep it on your recipe board or slip it into a binder so it’s always at your fingertips. Below you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any common questions, tips, or troubleshooting you might need while making this delightful dump cake. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment with your favorite twist—maybe you swapped in cherry pie filling or added citrus zest—and don’t hesitate to ask for help if a step has you puzzled. Your feedback and questions are what keeps this community vibrant and inspires everyone to bake with confidence. Happy baking, and here’s to many more sweet moments shared over slices of strawberry cheesecake goodness!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake layers creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and buttery cake in every bite. It's an effortless dessert that brings joy to gatherings!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Spoon the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
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Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry pie filling. Be sure to cover it completely; do not stir.
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Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, making sure as much of the surface is covered as possible.
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If you are using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the butter-drizzled cake mix.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
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Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Note
- For an extra burst of tart flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Feel free to get creative and substitute the strawberry pie filling with any fruit pie filling of your choice, such as cherry or blueberry.
- This dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you're craving a sweet treat but short on time.
