Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you’ve ever craved cheesecake but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your new best friend. Imagine combining the creamy, tangy goodness of a cheesecake with the sweet, fruity taste of strawberries, all wrapped up in a warm, golden, cake-like crust. This dessert is exactly what you need when you’re in the mood for something indulgent but don’t want to spend a ton of time on prep work.

What makes this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake so wonderful is that it’s a “dump cake” — meaning, it’s literally as simple as dumping a few ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do the rest of the magic. There’s no fancy mixing, no complicated steps, and no need for a springform pan. Just a few basic ingredients come together to create something totally divine. It’s one of those desserts that will make you look like a pro baker, even if you’re just getting started in the kitchen.

Let me tell you, this dessert has all the flavors you love in a classic cheesecake, but in an easy-to-make, no-fuss format. It’s perfect for a family gathering, a potluck, or just when you want to treat yourself to something extra sweet without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

(Serves 8–10)

• 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed

• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or white cake mix

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup (60g) crushed graham crackers (optional, for topping)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)

Why This Recipe Works:

There’s a lot to love about this dessert. First off, the strawberry pie filling gives the dump cake a wonderfully fruity foundation that’s sweet without being too overpowering. Then, the cubed cream cheese is spread throughout the pie filling, creating a rich, creamy texture that mimics the flavor of a traditional cheesecake. And, as if that wasn’t indulgent enough, you top it all off with a box of yellow or white cake mix, a drizzle of butter, and — if you’re feeling fancy — some graham cracker crumbs for that signature cheesecake crust crunch. It’s pretty much the best of both worlds!

What I love most about this recipe, though, is how simple it is. You don’t need to worry about making a crust, whipping up a filling, or waiting hours for it to chill. Everything comes together so easily, and you’ll end up with a dessert that tastes like it took hours of work, when in reality, it only takes about 10 minutes to prep!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to get your dump cake cooking right away once everything is in the dish. While the oven is heating, go ahead and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or butter to ensure that your dessert won’t stick.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Once the baking dish is prepared, it’s time to layer the ingredients. Begin by spreading the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will be your base layer. The sweet and juicy strawberries will infuse the entire dessert with a wonderful fruity flavor.

After spreading out the strawberry pie filling, take your softened and cubed cream cheese and scatter it evenly over the pie filling. This will give your dump cake a creamy, cheesecake-like texture as it bakes. If you want to kick up the flavor a notch, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the pie filling. This is optional but gives the dessert a lovely extra layer of flavor.

Now comes the fun part — the cake mix! Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry pie filling. Make sure it’s spread out as evenly as possible for consistent baking. Don’t mix it in; just let the dry cake mix sit on top of the other layers.

Step 3: Drizzle with Butter and Add Crunch (Optional)

Next, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter will seep into the cake mix and create that lovely golden crust we all adore in dump cakes. If you’re a fan of the crunchy texture found in traditional cheesecakes, you can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top of the buttered cake mix for that extra bit of texture. It’s totally optional, but trust me — it adds a nice little crunch that reminds you of a cheesecake crust.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Once everything is layered and ready, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, and the cake mix has formed a bubbly, crispy topping. The strawberry filling should be slightly bubbling at the edges, and you’ll be able to smell that sweet, comforting aroma wafting through the house.

Once baked, let the dump cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up and makes it easier to scoop out.

Serving Suggestions:

You can serve this dump cake warm, as is, or go all out with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. I promise you, this dessert is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect mix of fruity, creamy, and buttery with just a hint of crunch. It’s simple, it’s decadent, and most importantly, it’s so easy to make!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s dive into some helpful tips and tricks that will ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time. While the recipe is easy and straightforward, a few extra pointers can help you customize the dish or address common questions to make your baking experience even smoother. From ingredient substitutions to baking tips, I’ve got you covered.

Choosing the Right Cake Mix and Other Ingredients

The beauty of a dump cake is that it’s incredibly versatile. While this recipe calls for a simple yellow or white cake mix, feel free to experiment with different types of cake mixes to match your taste preferences. A butter cake mix, for example, would amplify the rich buttery flavor of the dump cake, while a strawberry or even a vanilla cake mix could enhance the fruity notes of the strawberry pie filling.

In terms of the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened before you cube it. If the cream cheese is too cold, it won’t melt into the pie filling as smoothly, which could leave little clumps throughout your dessert. Softened cream cheese will melt perfectly into the filling, giving the dump cake that creamy cheesecake texture.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

While the basic ingredients for this recipe are perfect on their own, there are a few optional add-ins you can try to make it even more decadent:

1. Fresh Strawberries: If you want to add a fresh element to your dump cake, try adding some sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pie filling before layering the cream cheese. This will add a natural strawberry flavor and a bit of extra texture.

2. Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For a warm, comforting flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry cake mix. This could be especially lovely for fall or if you just want to add a cozy spice note to the dessert.

3. Whipped Topping: Once your dump cake is baked and ready to serve, top it with a generous dollop of whipped topping or freshly whipped cream. The lightness of whipped cream complements the richness of the cake perfectly.

4. Chocolate Chips: For a chocolate twist, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the top of the cake mix before baking. The chocolate will melt into the layers and add an indulgent richness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Adjusting the Recipe for Smaller or Larger Batches

If you need to make a smaller or larger batch of this dump cake, no problem! This recipe is easily adjustable:

• For a Smaller Batch: You can halve the ingredients and bake the dump cake in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Just make sure to check the baking time after 30 minutes. You may need to reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, so keep an eye on the top for that golden-brown, bubbly finish.

• For a Larger Batch: If you need to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, like a 9×13-inch or even a 10×15-inch pan. Depending on the size of the pan, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Just be sure to check for that golden top and bubbling filling.

Baking Time and Doneness Tips

Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of the baking dish, so it’s always a good idea to check the cake towards the end of the recommended baking time. The top of your dump cake should be golden brown, and the edges should be bubbling. If it’s not quite golden yet, leave it in for a few extra minutes. Be cautious, though, as you don’t want to overbake and dry out the cake topping.

Another tip: when the cake is done, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve without everything running together. However, this cake is delicious warm, so if you’re impatient (like me!), feel free to dig in right away.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

As mentioned in the first part of the recipe, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is a must. This helps get everything cooking right when it hits the oven. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the dessert from sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Start by spreading the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This is the fruit base that gives the dump cake its deliciously sweet and tangy flavor.

Next, scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly over the pie filling. The softened cream cheese will melt perfectly into the filling as the cake bakes, creating a smooth, creamy texture. If you’re using vanilla extract, go ahead and stir it into the pie filling for an added boost of flavor.

Now, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry pie filling. No need to stir it in; just let the dry mix sit on top. This will bake into the golden, cake-like topping we all love.

Step 3: Drizzle with Butter and Add Crunch (Optional)

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter is what helps create that golden brown, slightly crispy top. If you’re adding crushed graham crackers, sprinkle them on top for a cheesecake-inspired crunch. This step is totally optional, but it gives a nice added texture and a nod to the classic cheesecake crust.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the dump cake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. You may need to add a few extra minutes if you’re baking in a larger dish or your oven runs cooler than usual.

Let the dump cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving, so the layers have time to set.

Final Thoughts: A Dessert That’s Sure to Wow

The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is in its simplicity. The mix of cream cheese, strawberry pie filling, cake mix, and butter creates a truly decadent dessert with very little effort. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a baking genius, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.