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This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake captures the joy of strawberries, cream cheese, and buttery cake all baked together without fuss. It's the kind of dessert that dazzles with its rich, comforting flavors yet only takes a few minutes to prepare. Perfect for when you want something impressive but simple, it requires just layering ingredients in one dish and letting the oven do the work.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- No complicated steps or extra dishes, just layer and bake
- Perfect balance of sweet strawberries and creamy, tangy cheesecake
- Great for sharing at gatherings or a cozy treat at home
- Easy to customize by swapping fruit fillings or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips
I first made this cake on a lazy Sunday afternoon and was amazed at how wonderful it tasted with almost no effort. Now it’s a fast favorite whenever I want a dessert that feels special but is stress-free.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Pie Filling: creates a luscious, jammy base bursting with berry flavor, pick a good quality brand for the best taste
- Cream Cheese: softened provides rich, creamy pockets of cheesecake that melt into the cake, full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture
- Vanilla Cake Mix: acts as a buttery, golden topping soaking up the strawberry juices, use a fresh box for fluffiness
- Butter: melted essential for that crisp, golden crust on top, use unsalted for better control over flavor
- Fresh Strawberries: optional for garnish adds bright color and fresh berry notes if you like
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: for serving elevates the warm cake with a cool creamy contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Layer the Strawberry Filling:
- Pour two cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish to make a sweet, syrupy base.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Drop small spoonfuls of softened cream cheese across the strawberry layer. Gently spread these with an offset spatula or spoon, but do not fully mix it in. The little pockets of cream cheese melt into dreamy, creamy spots.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix:
- Evenly distribute the dry vanilla cake mix over the top of the cream cheese and strawberries. Resist stirring, the dry cake mix is meant to bake as a fluffy, cakey crust.
- Pour the Butter:
- Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much as possible to ensure the top becomes golden and crisp during baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbles through the edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
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This cake combines the nostalgic taste of strawberry cheesecake with the easy charm of dump cake simplicity. My favorite part is those pockets of melted cream cheese that surprise you with every bite. It reminds me of a family gathering where everyone raved about dessert, and it disappeared before I got a second slice.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within four days. You can easily warm up portions in the microwave for 30 seconds to regain that fresh-from-the-oven softness. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If strawberry pie filling is not available, fresh strawberries combined with sugar and a little cornstarch can mimic the syrupy consistency well. Other pie fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or peach work wonderfully as a delicious alternative. You can also swap vanilla cake mix with yellow cake mix for a subtle variation in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cake shines when served warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. A fresh strawberry as garnish adds a touch of elegance. You can also sprinkle toasted almonds or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor variations.
Pro Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier spreading and even pockets throughout
- Do not mix or stir the layers after adding, the contrast between layers is key to its charm
- Use melted butter warmed slightly so it drizzles evenly for that perfect golden crust
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but mixing them with sugar and cornstarch helps create a syrupy texture similar to pie filling.
- → Will yellow cake mix work for the topping?
Yes, yellow cake mix works well and offers a subtle difference that complements the other layers.
- → Is low-fat cream cheese suitable for this dessert?
Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but full-fat provides the best creamy texture and richness in the pockets.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture for up to four days.
- → Can this dessert be prepared in advance?
Yes, layering can be done ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking without compromising the final texture.
- → Are other fruit fillings suitable substitutes?
Cherry, blueberry, or peach fillings work beautifully and bring a delicious twist to the layers.