Imagine biting into a luscious dessert where sweet, ripe strawberries meld perfectly with creamy cheesecake, all topped with a buttery, golden crust. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it a go-to treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a sweet finish to dinner, or simply craving a comforting yet delightful dessert, this dump cake delivers a charming homemade feel with minimal effort. The magic lies in its easy assembly and the way the ingredients bake into a bubbly, rich confection that tastes like it took hours to make.
- Simple dump-and-bake preparation saves time without compromising on flavor.
- Combines fresh strawberries with creamy cheesecake elements for a luscious treat.
- Perfectly moist and fluffy texture contrasted with a buttery cake topping.
- Great option for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dessert.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, ripe strawberries provide a naturally sweet and tangy base bursting with flavor and moisture.
- Canned Strawberry Pie Filling: Adds extra sweetness and a thick, luscious texture to enhance the strawberry flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds rich, tangy creaminess that mimics cheesecake filling perfectly in this dump cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of strawberries and enhances the overall sweetness.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A box of classic yellow cake mix creates the golden, buttery topping with an airy texture.
- Butter: Melted butter poured over the cake mix facilitates browning and adds moistness and rich flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash provides warm, aromatic depth that enhances both strawberry and cheesecake flavors.
- Egg: Helps to bind the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth cheesecake layer that holds together.
- Milk: Used to thin the cream cheese layer slightly, improving spreadability and creaminess.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the cake is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling
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In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious cheesecake layer that contrasts delightful with the strawberry base.
- Layer Strawberries and Pie Filling
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Spread the fresh strawberries evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the canned strawberry pie filling over the fresh berries to add extra sweetness and encourage a juicy, flavorful filling.
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture
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Gently dollop or spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layers, carefully smoothing it out without mixing it into the fruit. This layer forms the creamy cheesecake component that bakes into a smooth texture.
- Add Dry Cake Mix Topping
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Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This topping will bake into a golden crust, giving the cake a pleasant contrast in texture.
- Pour Melted Butter Evenly
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Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix carefully, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. This encourages buttery browning and moistness for the cake topping.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. This signals that the fruit filling is cooked through and the cake topping is perfectly baked.
- Cool Before Serving
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Allow the cake to cool at least 20 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps the cheesecake layer set and creates cleaner slices for serving, enhancing presentation and texture.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth mixing and an even cheesecake layer.
- Do not stir layers together; layering preserves the distinct textures and flavors.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using fresh versus frozen strawberries for best results.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Fresh mint leaves or sliced strawberries add a beautiful garnish and extra freshness.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and optimal texture.
- For variation, swap strawberry pie filling with other fruit flavors such as cherry or blueberry.
- If preferred, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the butter before baking for added crunch.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
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Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture which can make the cake soggy. Adjust baking time as needed.
- Is this cake gluten-free?
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Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure pie filling is gluten-free.
- Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for best texture.
- What type of cream cheese is best?
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Full-fat cream cheese yields the creamiest and richest texture for the cheesecake layer.
- How do I prevent the topping from burning?
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If it browns too fast, tent lightly with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Can this be made into individual servings?
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Absolutely. Use muffin tins or ramekins, decreasing bake time to about 20-25 minutes.
- What can I substitute for pie filling?
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Alternatives include fresh berries with added sugar and cornstarch mixture, or any other canned fruit pie filling.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 1 baking dish 9x13 inch recommended
- 1 mixing bowl (optional)
- 1 spatula for spreading layers
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 oz strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and spread gently.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix to moisten.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for extra flavor variation.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
