Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓🍰
This easy dessert combines the sweet-tartness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, topped with a buttery, golden cake crust. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent treat, it’s as simple as “dump and bake” but delivers gourmet-level flavor!
📋 Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Create the Layers
-
Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. -
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. -
Add the Cheesecake Layer:
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Gently spread the mixture with a spatula, leaving small pockets for the pie filling to peek through. -
Sprinkle the Cake Mix:
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cheesecake and strawberry layers, covering the entire surface. -
Drizzle the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure a crisp, golden topping.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown, and
- The strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.
- Serve warm as is, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
🍓 Tips for Success
- Butter Coverage: Ensure the melted butter covers most of the dry cake mix. Any uncovered spots may remain powdery after baking.
- Cheesecake Layer Variations: For extra richness, swirl the cheesecake layer slightly into the pie filling before adding the cake mix.
- Fruit Options: Substitute the strawberry pie filling with other flavors, such as cherry, blueberry, or peach, for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm treat.
✨ Nutritional Info
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
- Serving Size: Makes 12 servings
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a foolproof dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better. Its buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberries make it a surefire hit for any occasion! 🍓🎂