If you are craving something sweet, simple, and irresistibly delicious, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine luscious strawberry pie filling bubbling beneath a layer of creamy cheesecake dollops and tender strawberry cake mix, all crowned by a golden butter drizzle. Each bite bursts with the perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy richness that tastes like heaven but takes almost no effort. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or an easy dessert treat, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add flavor, texture, or a touch of indulgence, making the whole process smooth and straightforward. From the tangy cream cheese to the sweet strawberry cake mix, every component plays a vital role in creating this show-stopping dessert.
- Strawberry cake mix: Provides a sweet, soft crumb with a bright strawberry flavor that complements the filling perfectly.
- Strawberry pie filling: Adds juicy, tart strawberry bursts that keep every bite moist and flavorful.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess and a mild tang to balance the fruity sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese to melt-in-your-mouth perfection without any grit.
- Butter, melted: Drizzled on top, it transforms the dry cake mix into a golden, buttery crust that is simply irresistible.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when you need it. Then, spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This juicy base sets the stage for the layers of flavor to come.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, fluffy consistency. This creamy, sweet layer adds a luscious contrast to the fruity filling below and the cake mix above.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Dollops
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling in random spots. These little pockets of cheesecake delight will melt slightly during baking and add that signature tangy richness throughout your dump cake.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Take your dry strawberry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese layer. This creates the crumbly, tender topping that will soak up butter and bake into a golden crust.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire cake mix. The butter seeps down, moistening the cake before baking to create a beautifully moist yet crumbly texture with a rich flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to look for bubbly edges and a golden brown top where the cake is cooked through but still tender. The aroma will be irresistible by this point!
Step 7: Serve Warm or Chilled
You can enjoy this strawberry cheesecake dump cake warm for a gooey, comforting dessert or chill it in the fridge to firm up the layers for a cooler, more set treat. Either way, it’s absolute perfection.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle fresh sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence that perfectly complements the richness of the cake.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh green salad for contrast or a light cup of herbal tea to cleanse the palate. For celebrations, fresh fruit platters balance the richness with refreshing, natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in rustic individual ramekins for a personal touch, or layer it in clear glass trifle bowls to showcase the beautiful layers. This dessert also works wonderfully as a base for strawberry shortcake-inspired parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights or parties.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating or serving chilled.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, simply microwave a portion for about 20-30 seconds or heat in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This brings back the gooey texture and luscious flavors like it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While fresh strawberries are delicious, the canned pie filling offers a sweeter, thicker consistency that bakes beautifully and gives the dump cake its signature juicy texture. You can combine fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch if you prefer, just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up during baking.
Do I have to use strawberry cake mix?
Using strawberry cake mix enhances the flavor theme, but you can experiment with other flavors like white or vanilla cake mix for a twist. Just remember that the strawberry flavor in the cake mix complements the pie filling and cream cheese perfectly in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is incredibly easy and forgiving. Since everything just gets layered and baked, there’s minimal prep and no complicated techniques, making it an ideal dessert for bakers of all experience levels.
Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?
You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or in two 9×13 pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly—look for a bubbly edge and golden crust as your guide.
What is the best way to serve it for a crowd?
Cut the dump cake into squares and serve with optional accompaniments like whipped cream or ice cream on the side. You can also pre-plate individual portions in pretty dessert cups to make serving easier and more elegant.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s both fuss-free and bursting with incredible flavor, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is a true winner. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form, combining fruity freshness with creamy richness in every bite. Once you try it, this simple yet stunning cake will become one of your cherished go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the fruity sweetness of strawberry pie filling with creamy cheesecake and a moist strawberry-flavored cake topping. It’s effortless to make by layering ingredients in a baking dish and baking until golden and bubbly, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 21 oz can strawberry pie filling
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Cake Topping
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dump cake.
- Spread Pie Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create the base layer.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Drop Cheesecake Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling in the baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese dollops, covering the filling and cheesecake layer.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix to help it bake into a moist, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then serve warm or chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry cake mix with yellow or white cake mix if desired.
- For a richer cheesecake flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for an easier blend and smoother texture.
- The dump cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is a delicious option.
