If you love easy desserts that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is for you! This delicious, foolproof dessert combines the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all layered under a buttery cake topping.
A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like: you “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, spread them out, and bake. No complicated mixing, no fancy equipment just a quick and easy treat perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or an after-dinner indulgence.
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe only requires seven simple ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry. By using strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, cake mix, and butter, you’ll create a mouthwatering dessert with a crispy golden crust and gooey, creamy layers underneath.
Ready to make this simple, crowd-pleasing dessert? Let’s dive into why you’ll love this easy dump cake recipe!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
There are endless reasons to try this strawberry cream cheese dump cake, but here are just a few reasons it will become your go-to dessert:
1. No-Bake Cheesecake Flavor Without the Hassle
Traditional cheesecake requires a water bath, precise timing, and cooling periods. This version eliminates all the guesswork while still delivering that creamy cheesecake flavor combined with sweet strawberries.
2. Minimal Ingredients & Effort
With just seven ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery, without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
This strawberry dump cake with cream cheese is great for summer BBQs, family dinners, birthday parties, or even as a last-minute holiday dessert.
4. Customizable & Versatile
You can tweakStrawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to include your favorite fruits, cake mixes, or add crunchy toppings like nuts for extra texture.
Now, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This easy strawberry dump cake comes together with just a handful of simple pantry and refrigerator staples.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) of strawberry pie filling – This provides the sweet, fruity base. You can also use fresh strawberries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – Adds a decadent, tangy cheesecake layer.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Helps sweeten and soften the cream cheese mixture. If preferred, you can use powdered sugar.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix – The dry cake mix acts as the buttery, fluffy topping.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Creates a rich, buttery crust when baked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese layer.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Swap strawberry pie filling for blueberry, cherry, or peach pie filling for a different variation.
- Use gluten-free cake mix to make this a gluten-free dump cake.
- Try a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate strawberry dump cake twist.
With your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step baking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a fantastic dessert in no time!
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly into the prepared dish, spreading it out with a spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberry pie filling, spreading slightly but leaving a few chunks for texture.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Do not stir this helps create the signature dump cake topping.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Slowly pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. The butter is key to developing a golden, crispy crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. The filling will set a bit as it cools, creating the perfect texture.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Dump Cake
- Use Softened Cream Cheese – Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly with the sugar. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Ensure Even Butter Distribution – Pouring the butter evenly over the cake mix ensures a golden, crispy top rather than dry spots.
- Don’t Overmix the Layers – Resist the urge to stir! Each layer plays an important role in the cake’s final texture.
- Cover Loosely with Foil If Browning Too Fast – If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Want to customize your strawberry cream cheese dump cake? Here are some variations:
- Chocolate Lover’s Version – Swap yellow cake mix for devil’s food cake mix and add chocolate chips.
- Nut-Topped Delight – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake mix before baking for added crunch.
- Berry Medley Dump Cake – Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the strawberry filling.
- Caramel Swirl Strawberry Dump Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before adding the cream cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further:
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream melts into the warm cake, creating an irresistible dessert.
- Top with Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream lightens up the dish.
- Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – For extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice.
- Pair with Fresh Berries – Garnish with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fresh, fruity touch.
FAQ: Common Questions About Dump Cake
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes! You can use fresh strawberries mixed with ¾ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to create a homemade filling.
2. How do I store leftover strawberry dump cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious, with layers of sweet strawberries, tangy cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a cozy dessert at home, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is sure to impress.
Try it today and let us know how it turns out! Happy baking!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy, foolproof dessert that combines sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping. With just seven ingredients, this simple dump cake recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or an indulgent treat at home. No mixing or complicated steps just layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Dump Cake:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Add Strawberry Layer: Evenly spread both cans of strawberry pie filling into the baking dish.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the strawberries, slightly spreading but leaving some chunks.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not stir.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix to cover as much as possible.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap strawberry pie filling for blueberry, cherry, or peach for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cake mix to make it gluten-free.
- Chocolate Twist: Try using chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-strawberry version.
- Toppings: Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: ~28g
- Sodium: ~250mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~30mg