The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Craving a dessert that hits every note — creamy, fruity, buttery, and sweet — without spending hours in the kitchen? The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. This crowd-pleaser combines layers of tangy strawberry pie filling, rich cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake mix topping, all brought together with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, quick baking recipes, or delicious food ideas for a party or potluck, this dump cake delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Serve it chilled for a summer treat or warm for a cozy winter dessert. It’s simple, spectacular, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just mix and layer! This recipe requires little hands-on time.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the fruity flavors and creamy texture. It’s perfect for all ages!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Delicious Flavor Combinations: The blend of strawberries and cheesecake is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this cake fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! No complicated items here—just straightforward goodness that comes together beautifully.
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or whole (optional for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Variations
This recipe is flexible and can easily be tailored to fit your taste preferences! Here are some fun variations you might consider:
- Add Fresh Fruit: Toss in some blueberries or raspberries with the strawberry pie filling for an added burst of flavor.
- Change the Flavor: Swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry or blueberry to create your own twist on this classic dump cake.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra creamy texture, create swirls of cream cheese mixture throughout the strawberry layer before adding the cake mix.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your dump cake bakes evenly and achieves that lovely golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy layer adds richness and balances out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This forms a fruity base that will soak into the cake as it bakes—yum!
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Spoon and gently spread your cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. Take your time here; you want it to be even so every bite has that luscious cheesecake flavor!
Step 5: Sprinkle on Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top of the cheesecake layer. Don’t worry about mixing it — just let it sit there like a fluffy cloud waiting to bake.
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. This will help create that delicious golden crust we all love!
Step 7: Bake It Up!
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful bubbling top; that’s when you know it’s almost done!
Step 8: Cool Down
Once baked, let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer firmer layers, chill it in the fridge before serving.
Step 9: Finish It Off
Top with whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Now it’s ready to impress your friends and family!
Enjoy making The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake—it’s bound to become a favorite in no time!
Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This dessert is as easy as it is delicious, and these tips will help you nail it every time!
- Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, preventing any lumps from forming.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: Allowing the cake to chill after baking helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Experiment with fruit fillings: While strawberry is delightful, feel free to swap in other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest: This brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
- Make it ahead of time: This dump cake keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving this dessert can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to present your Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint on top add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
- Chocolate shavings: For an indulgent touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the whipped topping — they contrast beautifully with the strawberries.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake enhances its sweetness and adds a delightful contrast in temperature.
- Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the dessert while adding freshness. Choose seasonal fruits for extra flavor!
- Coffee or tea: Serving a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea alongside makes for a cozy pairing that complements the sweetness of the dump cake beautifully.
- Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a light and healthy contrast to this indulgent dessert, making for an appealing spread.
Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, get ready to impress your friends and family with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! Enjoy every creamy, fruity bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time to save you some stress before your gathering or dinner. It stores well, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dump cake to cool completely before storing.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
Freezing
- To freeze, let the dump cake cool completely.
- Cut into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- For warm servings, reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warmed through.
- Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you with your baking adventure.
Can I make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I know when The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is done?
The dump cake is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the cake mix layer.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer a fresher taste, you can substitute strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar to create a similar effect.
How long does The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake as much as I do! This dessert is not just delicious; it’s a comforting treat that brings everyone together. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a sweet indulgence on a quiet evening, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and watch as smiles spread around your table!
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake—a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake and fruity strawberry filling, all topped with a buttery cake mix crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home, requiring minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. Whether served chilled in the summer or warm in the winter, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone asking for seconds. With its rich layers and simple preparation, it’s an ideal choice for busy bakers looking to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer evenly.
- Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix on top without mixing.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool for 30 minutes before serving; chill if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
