Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like the luscious, sweet taste of fresh strawberries swirled into creamy cheesecake flavors in this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightful dessert combines the ease of a dump cake with the indulgent, smooth texture of cheesecake, resulting in a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion.
The simplicity of layering ingredients directly into a baking dish means you can enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. From its golden, crumbly topping to its vibrant strawberry filling, every bite offers a burst of fruity freshness paired with rich creamy goodness.
- Simple layering technique requires minimal prep and cleanup.
- Combines fruity strawberry flavor with smooth cheesecake richness.
- Perfect for sharing at brunches, desserts, or casual gatherings.
- Uses easy-to-find pantry ingredients and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, ripe berries that provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to the filling layer.
- Cream Cheese: Softened and creamy, it creates the rich, smooth cheesecake texture in the dessert.
- Sour Cream: Adds slight tang and extra creaminess to balance the sweetness and enhance texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer evenly for a perfect flavor balance.
- Vanilla Extract: Imparts warm, aromatic notes enhancing both strawberry and cheesecake components.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Acts as the topping base providing a crumbly, golden-brown crust.
- Butter: Melted and poured over cake mix to create a crispy, buttery topping.
- Eggs: Bound into the cream cheese mixture to firm up the cheesecake layer as it bakes.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Boosts strawberry flavor and helps set the fruit topping.
- Powdered Sugar: (Optional) for dusting or sweetening, enhancing the visual appeal and taste.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
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Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you start assembling. This steady temperature allows the layers to bake evenly, creating a perfect crust and cheesecake texture.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
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In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich cheesecake base that will firm beautifully during baking.
- Layer Strawberries and Jam
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Spread fresh sliced strawberries evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Spoon dollops of strawberry jam over the berries to intensify fruit flavor and add a lovely glaze.
- Add the Cream Cheese Layer
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Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture gently over the strawberries, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure even coverage. This layer will bake into a creamy, luscious cheesecake.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix and Butter
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Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer without mixing. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to create a golden, buttery crust as it bakes.
- Bake Until Golden and Set
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Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set but still creamy inside.
- Cool Before Serving
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Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature to let the layers firm up for easy slicing. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours if desired for a firmer texture and enhanced flavors.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Do not mix the cake topping into the layers; it bakes into a crisp golden crust.
- Fresh berries work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat that complements the fruity cheesecake flavors.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution and easier slicing.
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before baking.
- Let the cake cool fully to allow the layers to set, making clean slicing easier.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
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Yes, frozen strawberries can substitute fresh if properly thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake texture.
- Do I need to grease the baking dish?
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Yes, greasing helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier, especially with the sticky cheesecake layer.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
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You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, but texture and flavor might vary slightly.
- How long can I store this dump cake?
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Refrigerated leftovers last up to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze and thaw before serving.
- Can I use other fruit instead of strawberries?
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Absolutely, blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries also work wonderfully with the cheesecake base.
- Why does the cake topping stay crunchy on top?
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The dry cake mix combined with melted butter bakes into a crisp, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers below.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 1 baking dish 9x13 inch recommended
- 1 mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- 1 spatula for spreading layers
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 oz strawberry pie filling
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use cream cheese softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Try other pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for variety.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces.
