If you have a soft spot for desserts that are as easy to make as they are irresistible, then you are going to fall head over heels for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. This sweet treat blends the lusciousness of creamy cheesecake, the bright burst of strawberry pie filling, and the rich, buttery crunch of a golden cake topping—all layered effortlessly in one pan. It’s a perfect combination that comes together quickly, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in when you want something delicious without fuss. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this incredible dessert that effortlessly hits all the right notes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is both simple and fun. Each component plays an essential role, from the tangy cream cheese that adds smoothness to the vibrant strawberries delivering fresh flavor, and the cake mix topping that brings the perfect crunchy contrast.
- Yellow cake mix: This provides the sweet, crumbly topping that crisps up beautifully under the butter.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adding rich moisture to the cake mix, ensuring a golden crust that is both tender and crisp.
- Strawberry pie filling: Infuses juicy, fruity sweetness as the vibrant base layer.
- Cream cheese, softened: Offers creamy, tangy depth that balances out the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese for a luscious middle layer.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds a fresh pop of color and natural strawberry goodness, perfect for garnish.
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect temperature for baking your layers evenly, ensuring everything cooks just right with a golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This velvety layer will contrast wonderfully with the fruit and cake topping, adding richness and balance.
Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This juicy base bursts with vibrant sweetness that sets the fruity tone for the whole dessert.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Dollops
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry filling. These pockets of creamy goodness will melt slightly as they bake, creating heavenly pockets of cheesecake flavor throughout.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. This will become the crispy, golden crust that makes this dump cake irresistible.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix to moisten it and help it bake into a perfectly crisp and buttery topping. Be generous with the butter to achieve that outstanding texture contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you can see the strawberry filling bubbling up around the edges. This signals that all the flavors have melded beautifully and the cake is ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh sliced strawberries to add an extra pop of color and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the baked layers.
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are a natural choice to complete the look and taste, but you can also sprinkle powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. A few mint leaves provide a lovely fresh contrast as well.
Side Dishes
This dump cake shines on its own, but if you’re craving a little something extra, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh berries or a simple glass of chilled milk also work beautifully alongside this dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, especially if you’re hosting guests. Layering a bit of the cream cheese and strawberry mix with extra cake crumbs in clear glasses also makes for a charming dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as the cream cheese layer sets and the strawberry filling soaks into the cake topping.
Freezing
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe freezes very well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or serving chilled.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, use a low oven (around 300°F) for about 15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. You can also microwave individual portions but do so in short bursts to avoid drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well in the pie filling and as garnish after thawing. Just make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Traditional yellow cake mix contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, swap with a gluten-free cake mix and double-check all ingredients for cross-contamination.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can try mascarpone or ricotta for a different twist, but the texture and taste will vary slightly from the classic cheesecake flavor.
How do I make the cake less sweet?
Using reduced sugar cake mix or cutting back on powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer can help balance the sweetness. Adding a pinch of lemon zest can also brighten up the flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, a dairy-free cake mix, and margarine or coconut oil in place of butter to keep this dessert friendly for dairy-sensitive palates.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Its effortless assembly combined with that perfect harmony of creamy, fruity, and crunchy layers will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients and get ready to treat yourself to a slice of pure happiness!
Print
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake offers a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake by layering strawberry pie filling, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and yellow cake mix, all baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 can of strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right baking temperature.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Layer Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a luscious fruit base.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the prepared cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling, distributing it evenly but not spreading it flat.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely for the perfect crumb topping.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix; this will help create a crisp, golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries on top for a fresh fruity finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Melt butter slowly to avoid burning and ensure even drizzling.
- This cake is best served warm but can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
