When you crave the flavors of a luscious strawberry cheesecake but don’t have the time for elaborate baking, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake comes to the rescue. This effortless dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the fruity sweetness of strawberries, and the buttery crunch of cake—all baked together in one dish. True to its name, this recipe is as simple as dump, bake, and enjoy, yet the result is a showstopping treat that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, bringing dessert to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Is a Dump Cake?
Dump cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make. It gets its name from the process: simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake. There’s no need for precise mixing, creaming, or folding—making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.
This strawberry cheesecake version takes the concept up a notch by incorporating a cheesecake layer that pairs beautifully with juicy strawberry pie filling. The result? A gooey, creamy, fruity, and slightly crunchy dessert that’s irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (about 15–16 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced thin
- Optional toppings: fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar
Prep and Bake Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Layer the Strawberries
Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Add the Cheesecake Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberries, spreading slightly but leaving pockets for the fruit to peek through.
4. Add Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Do not mix it in—just let it sit on top.
5. Top with Butter
Arrange thin slices of butter across the entire surface of the cake mix. As it bakes, the butter will melt, creating a golden, slightly crunchy topping.
6. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm for a gooey treat or chilled for a firmer texture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~310
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
Note: These values will vary depending on the cake mix and pie filling used.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
- Classic Style: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Elegant Touch: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries for a bakery-style finish.
- Party Perfect: Cut into neat squares and place in cupcake liners for easy serving at potlucks or gatherings.
- Cheesecake Lovers: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or strawberry syrup for an indulgent topping.
Variations to Try
- Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Replace one can of strawberry pie filling with blueberry or raspberry for a colorful twist.
- Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the top before baking for added texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Delicious Layers: Creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and buttery cake create a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different fruits, cake mixes, or toppings.
- Crowd-Friendly: Bakes in a large dish, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, creamy texture for the cheesecake layer.
- Cover Completely with Butter: Thin slices spread evenly will create the best golden crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the cake to set slightly after baking to help layers hold together.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm individual portions in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it delivers everything you love about cheesecake and fruit cobblers in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, summer picnic, or just a cozy family night, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.
So grab your baking dish, gather these simple ingredients, and prepare to wow your guests with a dessert that’s as easy as it is irresistible.