Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s effortlessly decadent and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This simple yet glorious concoction comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of quick steps, delivering that nostalgic, comforting cheesecake taste layered with luscious strawberries and an irresistibly buttery, golden topping. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast at gatherings and always earns you that coveted “Can I get the recipe?” from friends and family. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or sneak a cold slice for breakfast (we won’t judge), this dump cake is destined to become your new go-to treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is that it’s built entirely on easily sourced ingredients, but each brings something essential to the dessert’s flavor, richness, and appearance. Let’s break down the players in this sweet symphony:

• Vanilla or French vanilla cake mix: This forms the buttery, golden crust and soaks up all the strawberry flavor while baking.
• Butter (melted): Melted butter gives the topping a rich, crisp finish, and mixes with the dry cake mix to form that cobbler-like crumb.
• Cream cheese: Cream cheese slices melt into creamy pockets, arching the flavor toward true cheesecake territory.
• Strawberry pie filling (2 cans): Strawberry pie filling brings vibrant color and bursts of sweet-tart fruitiness in every bite.
• Non-stick cooking spray: This keeps all those scrumptious layers from sticking to your baking dish (and makes clean-up a breeze).

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven warms up, grab your trusty 9×13 baking dish and coat it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lifts out in beautiful, messy scoops—exactly how we want it.

Step 2: Make the Cake Topping

Melt your stick of butter in a medium bowl (about 30 seconds in the microwave usually does it). Next, add the cake mix to your melted butter. Mix with a fork until you have a crumbly, sandy mixture. This combo bakes up into an ultra-satisfying topping—think crisp edges and a buttery bite.

Step 3: Layer the Strawberries

Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling straight into your prepared baking dish. Spread the filling out evenly so every slice gets plenty of that vibrant, jammy strawberry flavor that is the heart of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese

Slice the cream cheese into thin slabs and layer them generously across the top of the strawberry filling. Don’t stress about perfection here! As the cake bakes, the cream cheese will melt into glorious, creamy pockets throughout the dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly cake mixture evenly over everything—no need to pack it down. You want little peaks and valleys to catch all the strawberry bubbles. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles around the edges.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool just slightly so it holds together, but don’t wait too long. Serve it up warm and let everyone dig into those gooey strawberries and melty cream cheese layers under the crisp, buttery top. Pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake extra special, try showering it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few fresh strawberry slices. A drizzle of white chocolate or even a handful of crushed graham crackers takes the cheesecake vibe to the next level and looks gorgeous on a dessert table.

Side Dishes

This is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to serve something alongside, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a small cup of fresh berries complements those sweet-tart strawberry notes beautifully. For a brunch spread, a light fruit salad or a little lemony yogurt works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, spoon warm Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake into small mason jars or ramekins for single servings. They’re great for parties! For picnics or potlucks, simply cut the cake into squares and arrange on a platter with colorful berries for a crowd-pleasing, grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings!

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, cool the dump cake completely and slice it into portions. Wrap them well in plastic and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to a month and reheat beautifully for a quick treat whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm. If you’re warming up a bigger batch, cover it with foil and bake at 325 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and makes the cream cheese centers gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?

You can! If you have juicy, ripe strawberries, toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling. Just note the cake will be a bit less sweet and slightly more rustic, but it’ll still taste divine.

What’s the best way to cut the cream cheese?

Slice the cream cheese cold, straight from the fridge, into thin pieces. This way, you can distribute it evenly throughout the cake, ensuring those wonderful creamy bites in every scoop.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While vanilla or French vanilla is classic, a white or yellow cake mix would work as well. Even a strawberry or lemon cake mix can add a unique twist and make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake your own.

Should I serve this warm or chilled?

Both ways are fantastic! Warm gives you that gooey, fresh-baked vibe, but chilled lets the flavors mellow and the texture firm up a bit. Try both and see which you love most.

Is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?

It depends on the cake mix. Many store-bought cake mixes contain gluten, but you can easily swap for a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs. Just check the labels and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a celebration in every bite, you owe it to yourself to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s the ultimate in comfort sweets: quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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