Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 can (15 oz) strawberry pie filling; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you are in the mood for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and offers endless smiles, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your new best friend. Imagine luscious layers of creamy cheesecake mingling with sweet strawberry pie filling and fresh berries, all topped with a buttery yellow cake crust that’s perfectly golden and crispy. This easy-to-make delight captures the essence of every good dessert—comfort, sweetness, and a bit of nostalgia—without the fuss of complicated baking. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for a casual get-together or indulging in a cozy night in, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the creamy richness of cream cheese to the fresh burst of strawberries and the crumbly cake topping that ties everything together.

Cream cheese, softened: Provides the rich, velvety cheesecake layer that adds indulgence and tangy sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly, balancing tart and sweet notes.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that enhances the dessert’s overall flavor harmony.
Strawberry pie filling (15 oz can): Brings a luscious, syrupy fruit layer packed with classic strawberry goodness.
Fresh strawberries, sliced: Offers a refreshing burst of color and natural sweetness that brightens every bite.
Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz box): Ensures a buttery, crispy cake topping that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness, helping the cake layer brown beautifully.
Milk: Binds the cake mix and butter together, creating a smooth and tender crumb.
Cinnamon (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a subtle warmth and aromatic twist to the cake.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease your baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out with a perfect crust every time.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This luscious layer forms the rich cheesecake center that makes this dump cake truly special.

Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish, creating a sweet, jammy base. Then layer fresh sliced strawberries on top to provide a lovely contrast in texture and an extra hit of fresh fruit flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Layer

Gently pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. Take your time so it covers as much of the fruit as possible, ensuring each bite combines creamy tanginess with juicy strawberries.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Cake Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and milk just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Pour this batter evenly over the cream cheese layer. If you want to add a little extra warmth to your cake, sprinkle cinnamon over the top now.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and you see bubbling around the edges. This bubbling means all the flavors have melded into something truly magical.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven and let it cool just enough to set without losing steam. This resting time makes it easier to slice and enhances all those gorgeous flavors you’ve built.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

To bring an extra wow factor, top your slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a few more fresh strawberries on top can add texture and a pop of color that makes every serving as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

This dump cake pairs wonderfully with a light cup of brewed coffee or fragrant herbal tea, balancing the sweetness with a little bitterness or floral notes. For gatherings, you can serve alongside a fresh green salad or a simple citrus sorbet to cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in individual ramekins or mason jars layered with extra berries and whipped cream. Another fun twist is to turn the leftovers into parfaits by layering crumbled pieces with yogurt or custard and fresh strawberries for a breakfast treat that feels like dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to preserve the creamy texture of the cheesecake layer and to prevent the strawberries from becoming too mushy.

Freezing

While fresh is best, this dump cake freezes well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving cold for a refreshing change.

Reheating

To reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 20 to 30 seconds until just heated through. Alternatively, warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil to keep the moisture intact. Enjoy warm for that fresh-baked feel!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the cream cheese?

For a dairy-free option, you can try plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Just make sure they have a similar consistency to traditional cream cheese for the best results.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be assembled a day before baking. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.

What’s the best baking dish size to use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, allowing the layers to bake evenly with plenty of room for bubbling.

Can I substitute the yellow cake mix for another flavor?

You could try a white or even a spice cake mix for some extra flavor dimension, but the yellow cake mix provides the ideal buttery, sweet base that complements the strawberries and cream cheese beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its ease, combined with layers of flavor and texture, make it a dessert you’ll reach for again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will sneak into your heart and your family’s dessert rotation forever. So grab your ingredients, embrace the mess-free magic, and treat yourself to a slice of sweet, creamy happiness tonight!

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, fresh and canned strawberries, and a buttery yellow cake topping. Perfect for any occasion, this no-fuss dump cake layers flavors and textures for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Layer

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Layer

1 can (15 oz) strawberry pie filling
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Cake Layer

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then set it aside.
Layer the Fruit: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, layer the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the pie filling.
Add Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture gently over the layers of strawberries, spreading it out to cover as much of the fruit as possible for a balanced flavor in each bite.
Prepare Cake Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the melted butter and milk. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing. Pour this batter evenly over the cream cheese layer. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon on top for an aromatic touch.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling along the edges.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set and flavors meld together.

Notes

You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain the excess liquid.
For a richer cheesecake layer, you can increase the cream cheese to 12 oz and adjust sugar accordingly.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese layer slightly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American