Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (21 oz) cans of strawberry pie filling; 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, sliced thin; 1 (15.25 oz) vanilla or French vanilla cake mix; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings vibrant summer flavors together with creamy indulgence, you have to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightful treat is a wonderfully simple way to capture the essence of strawberry cheesecake without the fuss, combining luscious strawberry pie filling, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping that bakes into a perfectly golden crust. It’s the ideal crowd-pleaser that feels homemade and looks impressive, making it your new go-to for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake plays a crucial role in creating an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy tang of the cream cheese to the sweet strawberry filling and buttery cake topping, these simple staples come together effortlessly.

Vanilla or French vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz): Provides a sweet, crumbly base that crisps up beautifully while complementing the fruity filling.
Butter (1 stick, melted): Adds richness and helps the cake mix develop that irresistible golden crust.
Cream cheese (8 oz package): Offers a smooth, tangy layer that gives the cake that classic cheesecake flavor and creamy texture.
Strawberry pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Brings bright, juicy sweetness and vibrant color that makes the dessert shine.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, grab your 9×13 baking dish and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to make sure your cake doesn’t stick after baking. This initial prep ensures smooth sailing through the rest of your baking adventure.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Cake Topping

In a medium bowl, melt your stick of butter gently. Once melted, add the vanilla cake mix and stir with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture is key, as it will bake into that deliciously crisp top layer we all crave.

Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling directly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a beautiful, juicy base that will soak into the cake topping and infuse every bite with strawberry goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Layer

Slice the cream cheese into thin pieces and evenly distribute them over the strawberry filling. These little pockets of cheesecake will melt slightly during baking, giving you those rich, creamy bites that make this dessert truly special.

Step 5: Top With the Cake Mixture

Sprinkle your buttery cake crumble evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Don’t worry about covering every corner perfectly; the topping will spread and bake into a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling beneath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the strawberry filling is bubbling joyfully around the edges and the cake topping turns a lovely golden brown, inviting you to dig in.

Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy

For the best experience, serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm straight from the oven. The combination of warm fruit, melty cream cheese, and crunchy cake is absolutely divine.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

Elevate the look and flavor of your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake by topping it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a beautiful finishing touch that makes each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light, fruity white wine. If you’re serving it at a larger meal, consider fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in individual ramekins for easy portioning and charming presentation. You can also layer the cooled cake into parfait glasses, alternating with whipped cream or yogurt for a delightful layered dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the cake chilled helps the flavors meld beautifully while maintaining the cream cheese’s freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop the entire dish in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, usually 15-20 minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly baked warmth and makes the cake taste just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but since they don’t have the thick syrup that canned pie filling provides, you’ll need to cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch beforehand to achieve the right texture and sweetness.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the vanilla cake mix for a gluten-free version, and just verify that your pie filling is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients naturally meet gluten-free standards.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is essential for that rich cheesecake flavor and creamy texture. However, for a lighter version, you might try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt, but the taste and texture will vary slightly.

What if I want to make this cake ahead of time?

You can assemble the cake the night before and leave it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for best results. This makes it a great option for busy schedules or entertaining.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Make sure your butter is fully melted and well combined with the cake mix crumbs, then spread it evenly on top. Baking uncovered at 350 degrees will create that wonderful crunchy crust that contrasts with the soft filling underneath.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. From its simple ingredients to the quick prep and baking time, it’s a perfect recipe to keep on hand when you want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself making it again and again for family, friends, or those cozy moments when you deserve a sweet treat.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, no-fuss dessert that combines sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cream cheese, and a crumbly vanilla cake topping. Perfect for a quick treat, it requires minimal prep and yields a deliciously moist and flavorful cake with the classic taste of strawberry cheesecake in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

2 (21 oz) cans of strawberry pie filling
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, sliced thin

Cake Topping

1 (15.25 oz) vanilla or French vanilla cake mix
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean up easier.
Mix Cake Topping: In a medium bowl, melt the stick of butter. Add the vanilla cake mix and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Add Strawberry Filling: Pour the two cans of strawberry pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the entire bottom.
Add Cream Cheese: Slice the cream cheese into thin pieces and lay these slices evenly over the strawberry filling to add a creamy texture.
Top with Cake Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly cake topping over the cream cheese and strawberry filling layer.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.
Serve: Let the cake cool slightly and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for easier slicing and better distribution.
Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let it set slightly.
You can substitute strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch if desired.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake topping mixture.
This recipe can be doubled or halved to suit different serving needs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American