Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love easy, no-fuss desserts with maximum flavor, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is for you. It brings together the richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries in a simple, dump-and-bake method. With a buttery, cake-like top layer and a luscious, creamy filling, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any event, from a weeknight treat to a special family gathering. No need to fuss over complicated recipes—this one does all the work for you!

Ingredients

• 1 box of white cake mix

• 1 can (21 oz) of strawberry pie filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

3. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. Next, spoon the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.

6. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry filling. Do not mix.

7. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.

8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

9. Let the dump cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (including prep and bake time)

Variations

• Fruit Options: While strawberries are delicious, you can easily swap them for other fruit fillings such as blueberry, peach, or mixed berries.

• Cheesecake Flavor: For extra flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a tangy twist.

• Crispy Topping: Add some chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) to the top before baking for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, but keep in mind that fresh strawberries may require some additional sugar to sweeten the filling.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the layers ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake just before serving.

3. Is it necessary to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese gives the dessert its cheesecake flavor, but you can use sour cream or even Greek yogurt as a substitute if needed.

4. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Certainly! While a white cake mix complements the strawberries best, a yellow or butter cake mix will work just as well.

5. Can I make a gluten-free version of this dump cake?

Yes, look for a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the pie filling is gluten-free as well.

6. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan, but keep an eye on the baking time as it might need a little extra.

7. Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! After baking, let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

8. Do I need to mix the ingredients?

No, the beauty of a dump cake is that you don’t need to mix the ingredients. Simply layer them in the baking dish and bake!

9. Can I use a different fruit filling besides strawberry?

Definitely! You can use other fruit fillings like peach, blueberry, or apple, depending on your preferences.

10. How do I know when the dump cake is done?

When the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges, it’s time to take it out of the oven.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a dessert everyone will love. It combines the rich flavors of cheesecake and strawberries in a super simple, one-pan bake. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a go-to for a hassle-free, delicious treat. Don’t forget to try some of the variations, and enjoy your new favorite dessert!