Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, where sweet, juicy strawberries meet a creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer beneath a buttery, crisp topping. This delightful dessert brings together the nostalgic charm of dump cakes with the indulgent texture of cheesecake, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Easy to assemble yet packed with rich flavors, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Its effortless preparation means you can enjoy impressive flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
- Combines the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries with smooth, creamy cheesecake in one simple dish.
- Dump cake method ensures quick, no-mix prep but bakes into layers of texture and flavor.
- Perfect for both casual desserts and special occasions, pleasing all ages and skill levels.
Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that provide a fresh, natural fruit base enhancing the cake’s flavor.
- Cream cheese: Smooth and tangy, creating the rich cheesecake layer that contrasts the sweet strawberries.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake filling, balancing the tartness of cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cheesecake layer with warm, aromatic notes for depth of flavor.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a moist, golden crumbly topping that bakes perfectly over the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter poured over the cake mix gives a crispy, buttery crust with a rich taste.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the cheesecake filling for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Lemon juice: A splash of citrus brightens the strawberry flavor and enhances overall balance.
- Powdered sugar: Used to lightly sweeten the cheesecake layer for gentle sweetness without graininess.
- Salt: Helps round out the flavors and intensifies the sweetness of the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. A well-prepared dish helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Mix the cheesecake filling
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In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy to create the perfect tangy, sweet cheesecake layer.
- Layer the strawberries
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Spread the frozen strawberries evenly at the bottom of the pan, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice to enhance the berry’s brightness, setting a flavorful fruit base.
- Add the cheesecake layer
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Pour the prepared cheesecake mixture evenly over the strawberries, smoothing the top gently to create a uniform layer that bakes into a creamy middle.
- Sprinkle the cake mix
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Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the cheesecake layer without stirring, ensuring a crispy topping that contrasts the soft filling.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly
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Pour melted unsalted butter over the top of the cake mix, soaking in to create a golden, buttery crust that seals the dessert during baking.
- Bake until bubbly and golden
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Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and you see the fruit mixture bubbling through for that perfect texture balance.
- Cool before serving
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Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes to set the layers; this step enhances flavor melding and makes it easier to slice.
- Use frozen strawberries to ensure the fruit stays juicy and maintains structure during baking.
- Do not stir layers after adding the cake mix; this layering method allows the topping to crisp separately.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave to regain warmth and softness.
Serving Suggestions
Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy indulgence. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and flavor.
- For best texture, allow the dump cake to cool slightly before slicing to help the layers hold together.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cutting without tugging on the layers.
- Experiment with adding a handful of chopped pecans or almonds on top for crunchy texture contrast.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
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Yes, but fresh strawberries may release more juice which can make the cake slightly more moist, so reduce lemon juice slightly to balance flavors.
- Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix or can I substitute?
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Yellow cake mix provides a buttery, sweet topping, but you can substitute white or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
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You can assemble the cake a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated to bake fresh when ready to serve for best texture.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
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Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore freshness.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
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Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to adapt this recipe safely.
- Can I freeze the finished cake?
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Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 1 8x8 inch baking dish for baking the cake
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 oz strawberry pie filling
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter, melted
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the strawberries, distributing evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor.
- Try other berry fillings for variation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
