Imagine all the luscious tang of creamy cheesecake swirled with sun-kissed strawberries, topped off with a buttery golden crumb — all in one outrageously easy dessert! That’s exactly what you get with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a treat that layers incredible flavors and textures in every scoop. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something sweet and unfussy, this dessert will win your heart (and sweet tooth) at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s true magic in how simple these ingredients are, yet each one plays a starring role in the final Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Together, they create a memory-making dessert with very little prep and maximum reward!
- Strawberry pie filling (1 21-oz can): Bursting with juicy, sweet strawberries that form the perfect fruity base.
- Cream cheese (1 8-oz package, softened and cubed): Gives the dish its luscious creamy pockets, reminiscent of classic cheesecake.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese for just the right balance of tart and sweet.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances the cheesecake flavor.
- Yellow cake mix (1 15.25-oz box): The easiest way to achieve a buttery, golden crumble on top without fuss.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick, melted): Binds the dry cake mix and creates irresistible crunchy bits.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Bring delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness; feel free to leave them out for a nut-free version.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a quick swipe of butter. This prevents sticking and ensures those delicious gooey strawberry layers are easy to scoop later on.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Think of this as the juicy, ruby-red canvas upon which your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake masterpiece begins. Every bite will have a pop of fruit thanks to this foundation.
Step 3: Make and Drop the Cheesecake Swirl
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture all over the strawberry filling — don’t worry about perfection! The uneven swirls are part of the dump cake’s rustic charm.
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Open up your box of yellow cake mix and scatter it evenly over the entire cream cheese and strawberry layer. No mixing is required here — just gentle, even coverage. The dry mix will bake into a gorgeous, slightly crisp topping.
Step 5: Add Butter & Nuts
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the surface, making sure to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible. This is the trick to getting those crave-worthy golden bits. If you love nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top now for added crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up around the edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible! Let it cool slightly so the flavors can settle and the layers firm up a bit before diving in.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
The joy of serving Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is all in the finishing touches. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream takes each warm portion to absolute dessert heaven. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of fresh sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a showstopper all on its own, but if you want to round out your table, serve it with an easy fruit salad, a handful of fresh berries, or even a light lemony sorbet for contrast. With coffee or tea, it becomes the centerpiece of a comforting afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for special occasions by spooning it into pretty jars or ramekins for individual servings. For a picnic or casual party, scoop it right from the baking dish into bowls and invite everyone to add their own toppings — sprinkles, chocolate chips, or a swirl of berry sauce can be so much fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), cover the cooled Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 days, and the flavors just deepen overnight.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions of this dump cake! Simply cool the cake completely, cut it into portions, and store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again — it makes a wonderful make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Warmth brings back the gooey, comforting magic that makes Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake irresistible all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different pie filling flavor?
Absolutely! While strawberry is a classic, this recipe is delicious with cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling. Each variety gives the dump cake its own unique twist, so feel free to get creative with your favorites.
Can I make it without nuts?
Yes, you can simply skip the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version. The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will still have plenty of flavor and a wonderful texture from the cake and cheesecake layers.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy cheesecake mixture without any lumps and helps it spread more easily over the strawberry filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dump cake a day in advance, bake it, and simply reheat before serving. The flavors tend to meld and become even more delicious after resting overnight.
What’s the best way to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake at a party?
Cut it into neat squares for a potluck, or serve it warm in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy gathering. For a fun party twist, let guests customize their servings with a toppings bar of fresh fruit, whipped cream, and nuts!
Final Thoughts
Desserts don’t get much easier — or more crowd-pleasing — than Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s a fabulous fusion of flavors that feels both nostalgic and just a little bit indulgent. I can’t recommend it enough for your next gathering (or sweet treat night at home) — once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a personal favorite!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry pie filling with this easy and delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layering: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the pie filling.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the surface.
- Optional Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can substitute cherry or blueberry pie filling for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
