If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines ease, richness, and fruity freshness, look no further than The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. This delightful concoction layers luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake flavors, and golden, buttery cake topping in a single dish that bakes up beautifully every time. It’s the perfect go-to when you want a show-stopping dessert without fussing over complicated techniques or multiple bowls. Trust me, once you try this dessert, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection and your family’s hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create a magical balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery elements. Each one plays an important role, ensuring the cake’s texture and flavor hit that perfect note every time.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a tender, golden crumb that crisps beautifully on top with butter.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich moisture and helps create that crave-worthy crust on the cake’s surface.
- Strawberry pie filling: Delivers the juicy, sweet strawberry goodness that makes this dessert sing.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess and an irresistible tang to the cheesecake layer.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture for perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Add a bright, fresh finish for contrast and extra berry flavor.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is perfectly heated, setting the stage for your dump cake to bake evenly and develop a stunning golden top.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until completely smooth and creamy. This mixture is the luscious, velvety cheesecake layer that contrasts beautifully with the fruity filling and crumbly topping.
Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly, then spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom. This juicy layer will bubble up and create a lovely, sweet base bursting with strawberry flavor.
Step 4: Dollop the Cream Cheese on Top
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the strawberry filling. Don’t worry if it looks uneven—this rustic approach creates delightful pockets of cheesecake in every bite.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese and strawberry layers. This forms the rich, buttery topping with a crumbly texture after baking.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Evenly drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix. This step is key for achieving a golden, crispy crust that cracks with buttery goodness when you cut into the cake.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling enticingly around the edges.
Step 8: Cool and Add Fresh Strawberries
Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh sliced strawberries for an extra pop of color, freshness, and texture that brings the whole dessert together wonderfully.
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few mint leaves can elevate your dump cake into an elegant dessert plate. Fresh strawberries aren’t just a pretty touch—they bring a juicy brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, complementing the warm, fruity cake with cool creaminess. Or, serve alongside a light cup of brewed coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and cleanse the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layer each serving with extra fresh strawberries or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a diner-worthy treat that’s bound to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious treat over several days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven to bring back that freshly-baked charm.
Reheating
Warm your leftover dump cake in a 325°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes to regain the crispy edges and bubbly fruit filling. Avoid microwaving, which can make the texture soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can be used in the pie filling or as a garnish after thawing. Just drain excess juice to avoid a watery cake.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Softening the cream cheese is important for mixing it smoothly with the powdered sugar and vanilla. This ensures a creamy cheesecake layer without lumps.
Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to substitute the regular mix, and double-check that your pie filling does not contain gluten.
How important is the butter melting step?
Melted butter drizzled over the cake mix is crucial for that crisp, golden crust. If you skip this, the topping won’t develop the same rich texture and flavor.
Is it better served warm or cold?
This dump cake is delicious warm when the layers are ooey-gooey, but it also tastes wonderful chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug and looks impressive with hardly any effort, The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is your answer. It’s a tender, buttery creation where fruity bursts and creamy tang mingle perfectly—guaranteed to earn you compliments and requests for seconds. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your very favorite go-to sweet treats.
Print
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines a tangy cream cheese layer with sweet strawberry pie filling and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat, it requires minimal prep and delivers a luscious, golden-baked dessert that’s easy to whip up.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Layer
- 1 can of strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Cake Topping
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking your dessert.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating a rich cheesecake layer.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Evenly spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the fruity base of the cake.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling, distributing them evenly to create pockets of cheesecake flavor.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly spread the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese and strawberry layers, ensuring full coverage.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix to moisten it and create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries on top for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.
- Fresh strawberries add a nice texture contrast and visual appeal.
- This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature based on preference.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
