There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries. This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is exactly that—a delightful creation that will make your taste buds dance with joy! I first tried this recipe during a casual summer gathering, and it quickly became my go-to for effortless entertaining. With just a handful of ingredients—many from your pantry—and zero baking required, you can whip up this impressive dessert in no time.
Imagine pulling a warm, golden cake from the oven, its buttery crumb topping giving way to ooey-gooey strawberry filling and creamy cheesecake layers. It’s one of those treats that feels special without the fuss, perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or simply treating yourself after a long day. Whether you’re a busy home cook or looking for a quick dessert to impress guests, this dump cake is here to save the day! Ready to dive into a slice of sweetness? Let’s get baking!
Why Choose Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Effortless Preparation: This dump cake is a breeze to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and no extensive baking skills.
Irresistible Combination: You get the best of both worlds—creamy cheesecake meets juicy strawberries, making every bite a taste sensation.
Versatile Flavor Options: Feeling adventurous? Swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry or blueberry to suit your mood or occasion.
Perfect for Any Event: Whether it’s a family gathering or brunch with friends, this dessert is sure to impress and please a crowd.
Quick to Serve: Just pop it in the oven and relax; it practically bakes itself, leaving you free to enjoy quality time with your guests.
Try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence—it’s simply divine!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Ingredients
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For the Cake Base
• Vanilla or French Vanilla Cake Mix – This is essential for creating a delightful and sweet structure; avoid yellow cake mix for best flavor and appearance.
• Butter (1 stick, melted) – It adds the needed richness and moisture; using salted butter can enhance the overall flavor. -
For the Cheesecake Layer
• Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Adds that classic cheesecake essence; slice thinly for even distribution over the filling. -
For the Fruity Filling
• Strawberry Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each) – This is the star of the show, bringing sweetness and color; feel free to switch it with cherry or blueberry for a fun twist!
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a scrumptious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
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Melt the butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of butter. Once melted, stir in the cake mix until the mixture resembles coarse wet sand, ensuring it’s well combined; set aside.
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Pour the pie filling: Take the strawberry pie filling and pour it into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom.
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Slice the cream cheese: Thinly slice the cream cheese and distribute the slices evenly over the strawberry layer, ensuring a touch of creamy goodness in every bite.
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Top with the crumb mixture: Sprinkle the buttery cake mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, covering it as thoroughly as you can for an even bake.
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Bake the cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the strawberries bubble up and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
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Cool before serving: Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool slightly, then serve warm to enjoy the amazing flavors.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
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Butter Choice: Using salted butter can enhance flavors, balancing the sweetness of the dessert. Don’t skip this detail for a more delicious outcome!
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Cake Mix Selection: Stick with vanilla or French vanilla cake mix to achieve the best color and flavor. Yellow cake mix can create an unappealing taste.
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Slicing Cream Cheese: Make sure to slice the cream cheese thinly for easy melting and even distribution over the pie filling, ensuring that every bite has that creamy taste.
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Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to maintain its structure. Serving it too hot may cause it to fall apart.
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Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to switch up the strawberry pie filling with other flavors like cherry or blueberry for a fun twist on your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the sweet, creamy layers of this easy treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream adds a rich creaminess, balancing the fruity sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream creates an airy texture, enhancing every spoonful of this luscious dump cake.
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Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing burst of natural sweetness to elevate your dessert.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce on top introduces a decadent twist, creating a delightful contrast to the cheesecake flavors.
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Coffee: A cup of hot coffee pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness of the cake while enhancing its cozy, comforting vibe.
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Sparkling Lemonade: This bright, citrusy drink brings a refreshing zing that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake, making your dessert feel festive.
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Peanut Butter Sauce: A drizzle of creamy peanut butter sauce introduces an unexpected nutty flavor that complements the strawberries elegantly.
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Shortbread Cookies: Serve with crumbly shortbread cookies on the side for an extra crunch and a delightful textural contrast to the soft dump cake.
Let your guests mix and match these pairings for a truly memorable dessert experience!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
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Room Temperature: Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm right out of the oven! If leftovers are at room temperature, they should be consumed within 2 hours.
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Fridge: Store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it cool to maintain its delicious texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your cooled dump cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to protect it from freezer burn.
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Reheating: To enjoy the cake again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy days! You can prepare the crumb mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, the cream cheese can be sliced and stored separately to maintain its creamy texture. Just before baking, combine the components: spread the strawberry pie filling in the baking dish, layer the cream cheese slices, and finally sprinkle the crumb mixture on top. Bake as directed, and you’ll have a warm, delicious dessert ready in no time, just as satisfying as if you made it all in one go!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful dessert your own with these scrumptious variations!
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Fruit Filling: Try swapping the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or even peach for a fresh fruity twist. Each option brings its own unique sweetness and character.
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Cake Mix Magic: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a rich, decadent experience. The combination of chocolate and cream cheese is truly heavenly!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for an added crunch and flavorful depth. It elevates the texture and adds a bit of rustic charm.
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Spiced Delight: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg with your cake mix for a warm, cozy flavor. These spices can enhance the comforting vibe of your dump cake beautifully.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Pair it with a lemon-flavored cake mix for a zing of freshness!
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Lower Sugar: For a lighter version, use a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free pie filling. You can still enjoy the indulgent flavors with fewer calories.
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Tropical Spin: Incorporate pineapple or coconut into the filling for a tropical vibe. These flavors will transport you to the beach with every delicious bite!
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Flavor Infusion: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the cake mix for an aromatic boost. These little extras can make a world of difference in flavor depth.
Customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences, and watch as it becomes a family favorite in no time!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of cake mix should I use for the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
It’s best to stick with a vanilla or French vanilla cake mix to achieve the desired flavor and appearance. Avoid using yellow cake mix, as it can alter both the taste and color of your dessert.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Leftover dump cake should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 5 days. To enjoy its best texture, let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Can I freeze the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze your cooled dump cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
How can I tell if my strawberries in the pie filling are ripe?
If you’re using fresh strawberries instead of canned filling, look for berries that are bright red, firm, and plump, without any dark spots. Ripe strawberries will have a sweet aroma and should be free of blemishes or mushiness.
What should I do if the top of my dump cake doesn’t brown?
If the top doesn’t brown adequately, try placing it under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you have the cake in the center of the oven for even cooking.
Is the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake safe for pets?
While this dessert is delicious for humans, keep it away from pets, especially dogs. Ingredients like cream cheese and sugar can upset their stomachs. Always prioritize your furry friends’ safety by giving them treats that are specifically formulated for them!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Easy Dessert Brilliance
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the cake mix until resembling coarse wet sand.
- Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Thinly slice the cream cheese and distribute evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle the buttery cake mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes until strawberries bubble and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving warm.