This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and effortless dessert that delivers a comforting combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake flavors. The beauty of this dump cake lies in its simplicity—you layer the ingredients in a baking dish without needing to mix them, and after baking, you’re left with a warm, golden dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Serves 8–10)
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1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
The base layer of this dessert comes from the sweet, juicy strawberry pie filling. You can use canned pie filling for convenience, or if you prefer a more natural option, you can make your own by cooking fresh strawberries with sugar until thickened. -
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and cake mix. It creates a luscious, cheesecake-like layer in the dump cake. -
1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or white cake mix
The box of cake mix serves as the top layer, creating a tender, buttery crust. You can choose yellow for a classic flavor, or white for a lighter, subtler taste. -
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
The melted butter is drizzled over the dry cake mix, which helps it brown and form a crisp, golden topping while adding flavor to the entire dessert. -
½ cup (60g) crushed graham crackers (optional, for topping)
For an extra touch of crunch and a nod to traditional cheesecake crust, crushed graham crackers can be sprinkled on top of the cake mix. This is optional, but it adds a delightful texture contrast. -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
Vanilla extract brings out the sweetness of the strawberries and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out beautifully.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will create the base layer that is sweet and fruity.
- Scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly over the pie filling. It’s best to scatter the cubes around the dish rather than mixing them in. As it bakes, the cream cheese will melt and create a creamy, cheesecake-like texture.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling. Make sure it’s spread out to cover the entire surface. Don’t mix; the dry cake mix will bake into the fruit and cream cheese as it cooks.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. This will melt into the cake mix, helping to form the signature golden and crispy crust on top. If using, sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the butter for an extra crunchy topping.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. You’ll see the cake mix turning crispy and a little bit of the filling bubbling around the edges.
- Once the top is golden and bubbling, take it out of the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes to set before serving. This resting time helps the dessert firm up and allows the layers to settle.
Step 4: Serve
- Scoop the dump cake into bowls and serve warm. This dessert is rich and comforting on its own, but for an extra indulgence, you can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even some fresh strawberries. The warm, creamy cheesecake layer combined with the fruity, buttery top is heavenly!
Pro Tips
- Berry Variations: The beauty of a dump cake is its versatility. While this recipe uses strawberry pie filling, you can swap it with other pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, apple, or a mixed berry combination for different flavor profiles.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a more distinct cheesecake effect, try blending the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar before scattering it over the filling. This will create a slightly sweeter, more pronounced cheesecake flavor.
- Crunchy Top: To add more texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or even walnuts on top of the cake mix before baking. The nuts will toast as the cake bakes and provide a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Use Homemade Pie Filling: If you prefer homemade pie filling, simply cook fresh strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened. It will bring an extra freshness to the dessert.
- Serve Warm: This dump cake is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, so be sure to allow enough time for it to cool slightly before serving. It’s absolutely delicious when paired with a cool scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This is a “dump and go” dessert that requires no mixing or complicated steps. Just layer the ingredients, bake, and serve!
- Versatile: You can easily switch up the flavors with different pie fillings, cake mixes, and toppings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinners. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is layered in one dish, cleanup is a breeze. This is ideal for those looking for a stress-free dessert option.
Enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake as a sweet and creamy dessert that’s super easy to make but tastes indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight treat or a festive occasion, it’s sure to be a hit!