Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s as effortless as it is delicious? Our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the sweet, tangy flavors of strawberries and creamy cheesecake into one irresistibly easy treat. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like magic—you simply layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it do all the work.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
This easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and no need for an electric mixer, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a decadent dessert loved by all.
Ingredients
Here’s everything we need to make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white or yellow cake mix
- 2 (21 oz) cans strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup granulated sugar for extra sweetness
- Optional: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
Let’s layer ingredients step-by-step for perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
1. Prep Your Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Strawberry Filling
- Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This will be the base layer, so be sure it’s distributed evenly to cover the dish.
3. Add Cream Cheese Cubes
- Scatter the softened cream cheese cubes evenly over the strawberry filling. These pockets of creamy goodness create the “cheesecake” texture in the final dish.
4. Top with Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. It’s important to spread the mix without stirring to maintain the dump cake’s layered setup.
5. Drizzle Butter on Top
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the dry cake mix. The butter will soak into the mix as it bakes, creating a golden, crumbly topping.
| Butter Drizzle Tip: Ensure no large dry patches remain by pouring slowly and evenly! |
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
7. Cool and Garnish
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for 10-15 minutes. Optional garnishes include fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
8. Serve & Enjoy
- Scoop out servings with a large spoon and enjoy this warm, gooey dessert as-is or paired with vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
“This is one dessert where simplicity meets indulgence with every bite!”
By layering simple ingredients, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe delivers a rich, fruit-filled dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For this indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, we’ll need just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Each one contributes to the irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 box of white or yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) of strawberry pie filling
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Optional Enhancements:
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (if you prefer a touch of added sweetness)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish (adds a bright, fresh touch)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (perfect for serving)
Notes on Ingredients:
- We recommend using white or yellow cake mix, as it complements the cheesecake and strawberry flavors beautifully.
- Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened for easy dolloping and even melting.
- Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the cake.
Ingredient Summary Table:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Details |
|---|---|---|
| White/Yellow Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 ounces) | No additional prep needed |
| Strawberry Pie Filling | 2 cans (21 ounces each) | Ready-to-use |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Softened to room temperature |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup, melted | Melt fully; allow to cool slightly |
| Granulated Sugar (optional) | 2 tablespoons | Optional for added sweetness |
| Fresh Strawberries | As desired | Sliced for garnish |
| Whipped Cream or Ice Cream | As desired | For serving |
Tools And Equipment
To create the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, having the right tools and equipment ensures a smooth and efficient baking experience. Let’s gather what we need:
Essentials You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – A must-have for evenly baking the layers. We recommend a glass or ceramic dish for consistent heat distribution.
- Spatula or offset spatula – Ideal for spreading the cream cheese and ensuring even coverage.
- Mixing bowl – Use a medium-sized bowl for preparing the cream cheese layer.
- Hand whisk or fork – To soften cream cheese if it’s not smooth enough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key for the butter and sugar measurements.
- Butter knife or spreading knife – Useful for evenly spreading the melted butter over the cake mix.
- Can opener – Needed to open the strawberry pie filling cans.
- Parchment paper or silicone spatula – To scrape the bowls and ensure no ingredient goes to waste.
Optional But Handy
- Electric hand mixer – While not necessary, this can make softening and mixing the cream cheese quicker if you’re in a rush.
- Cooling rack – For safely cooling the cake after baking.
- Serving utensils – Small cakes or fruit scoops can make serving more elegant.
Organized Tools Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to streamline the setup process:
| Tools | Used For |
|---|---|
| 9×13-inch baking dish | Baking and layering ingredients |
| Spatula | Spreading pie filling and cream cheese evenly |
| Mixing bowl | Preparing the cream cheese layer |
| Measuring cups & spoons | Ensuring accurate measurements for batter and sugar |
| Butter knife | Distributing the melted butter layer |
| Cooling rack | Gently cooling the cake post-baking |
Having these tools ready not only simplifies preparation but also guarantees a polished and well-baked dessert. Preparation is everything when indulging in this easy yet decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate, indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. No electric mixers required—just layer, bake, and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake mix!
Prep The Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure even baking.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, butter, or oil for easy cleanup.
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwaving in 10-second intervals until pliable. Do not melt.
- Melt 1 cup unsalted butter and set aside.
Here’s what you’ll need for layering:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry pie filling | 2 cans (21 oz each) | Your base layer of fruity goodness |
| White or yellow cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Adds a light, crumbly top texture |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Creates the creamy cheesecake layer |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (melted) | Drizzle over cake mix for richness |
Layer The Dump Cake
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Dot softened cream cheese over the filling. Use a butter knife or spatula to spread it lightly, but it’s fine if it doesn’t cover fully—it will melt into the filling as it bakes!
- Sprinkle the entire cake mix evenly over the top. Do not press down; just make sure there are no lumps.
- Drizzle the melted butter across the dry cake mix. Make sure to pour slowly and cover as evenly as possible to avoid dry spots.
Optional: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top for depth and added caramelization.
Bake The Cake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Halfway through, check for dry spots. Use a spoon to gently redistribute the butter if needed.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This helps set the layers and makes it easier to serve.
Tips For Success
When making our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, following these tips will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time. These small adjustments and recommendations can take your cake from good to truly indulgent.
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
To create a dessert that truly shines, always select high-quality ingredients. Opt for a reputable brand of strawberry pie filling and a fresh box of cake mix. For the richest flavors, choose full-fat cream cheese and ensure that the butter is unsalted to control the salt level.
2. Softening the Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese is essential for even distribution and creamy texture. Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before preparation. If pressed for time, you can soften it in the microwave. Use the “defrost” setting for 10-second intervals, checking between each to avoid melting.
3. Distribute Ingredients Evenly
Layering the ingredients correctly is key to achieving a uniform bake.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish to form a consistent fruit base.
- Dot the cream cheese over the filling with small, uniform-sized dollops to ensure every bite contains some of its creamy texture.
- Sprinkle the cake mix layer in an even, thin layer to prevent clumps.
- When drizzling the butter, make sure it covers as much of the surface as possible without pouring it in one spot.
4. Prevent Dry Spots
Dry patches of cake mix can appear if the butter doesn’t fully saturate it. As a tip:
- Use a spoon to press any dry spots into the surrounding butter gently.
- Alternatively, melt a few extra tablespoons of butter and drizzle over any uncovered areas halfway through baking.
5. Test for Doneness
To ensure the dump cake is fully baked, look for the following indicators:
- A bubbly, golden brown surface.
- The fruit filling should appear slightly thickened around the edges.
- If necessary, use a toothpick to test any visible cake mix spots. The toothpick should come out with crumbs rather than wet batter.
6. Cooling is Crucial
Allow the finished cake to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This step helps set the layers, making it easier to serve without the filling spilling. During this time, the flavors meld, resulting in an even more delicious bite.
7. Add Flavor Enhancements
Enhance the dessert with creative touches:
- Sprinkle granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for added texture and sweet crunch.
- Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh strawberries for a decadent finish.
8. Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave at 15-20 second intervals.
| Tip Number | Recommendation | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use high-quality ingredients | Choose full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter. |
| 2 | Soften cream cheese | 30 minutes at room temp or defrost in microwave. |
| 3 | Distribute ingredients evenly | Avoid clumping cake mix or butter. |
| 4 | Prevent dry spots | Press dry areas or add extra melted butter. |
| 5 | Test for doneness | Look for golden color and bubbling around edges. |
| 6 | Allow cooling | Essential for easy serving and cohesive flavors. |
| 7 | Add flavor enhancements | Whipped cream or cinnamon sugar elevate taste. |
| 8 | Store leftovers properly | Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat before serving. |
By following these strategic tips, we can guarantee our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake becomes a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead for our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can simplify preparations and make serving a breeze. This dessert is perfect for making in advance, and with these tips, you can keep its textures and flavors fresh for your event.
Preparing in Advance
- Layer the Ingredients Ahead
Assemble the layers of the cake as per the recipe directions up to the baking step:
- Spread the strawberry pie filling in the greased baking dish.
- Dot the softened cream cheese evenly over the strawberries.
- Sprinkle the boxed cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Store Before Baking
Cover the prepared, unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This keeps the ingredients fresh while allowing the flavors to slightly meld together.
Baking on the Day of Serving
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F, as directed in the recipe.
- Take the assembled cake out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top layer of the cake mix. If desired, sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar for an extra sweet touch.
- Bake as instructed, for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
Tips for Freezing (Optional)
You can also freeze the assembled unbaked dessert if needed for longer storage. Follow these steps:
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Ideal for short-term prep; keep tightly sealed to prevent drying out. |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 3 months | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. |
- When freezing, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Then follow the same instructions for room temperature adjustment and butter drizzling before baking.
These make-ahead strategies ensure that your dessert comes together effortlessly, whether you are prepping for a party or simply planning ahead for a busy schedule.
Storage And Reheating
Properly storing and reheating this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ensures we maintain its fresh, indulgent flavors and delightful texture. Follow these guidelines to enjoy leftovers as delicious as the day it was baked.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Once the cake has cooled completely, transfer it into an airtight container or cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cake in individual portions or as a whole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Place the wrapped cake in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
🗒 Pro Tip: Label and date the storage container to keep track of its freshness.
Reheating Instructions
Perfectly reheating the dump cake ensures it retains its moist, creamy layers paired with the sweet strawberry flavor.
| Reheating Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Microwave (Quickest) | Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 20-30 seconds until warm. |
| Oven (Best for Entire Cake) | Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. |
| Air Fryer | For a crispy top, reheat a portion in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. |
🗒 Pro Tip: Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream after reheating to elevate the dessert’s flavors.
By taking a little care with Storage And Reheating, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be enjoyed anytime with its textures and flavors beautifully preserved.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. With its rich layers of fruity sweetness and creamy decadence, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress without the hassle. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual gathering or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and unforgettable to taste. Let’s grab our ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy every bite of this irresistible creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
A Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert made by layering strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, cake mix, and melted butter in a baking dish. The ingredients “dumped” into the dish are baked together to create a rich, creamy, and fruit-filled treat.
Do I need special equipment to make the cake?
No, you only need basic tools such as a 9×13-inch baking dish, a spatula, a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and spoons. Optional tools like an electric mixer or a cooling rack can provide added convenience.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using a different cake mix, such as vanilla, butter pecan, or even chocolate, for a unique twist on the flavors.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softened cream cheese ensures easy mixing and even distribution in the dish. If it’s too hard, it may not blend well with the other ingredients.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Be sure to check for dry spots and ensure the butter saturates the cake mix.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cake for up to 3 months.
How should I store leftover cake?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the cake?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the entire cake in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. An air fryer can also be used for a quick reheat option.
Are there topping suggestions for serving?
Yes! Serve the cake with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh strawberries for an extra decadent touch.
Can I prevent the cake mix from staying dry?
Ensure the melted butter is evenly drizzled over the cake mix to prevent dry spots. You can also spread the butter gently with a spatula for better coverage.