Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe combines the sweet, fruity brightness of strawberries with creamy cheesecake notes and a buttery cake topping, all layered together without complicated mixing or techniques. I often turn to dump cakes when I need a last-minute dessert that still feels homemade and comforting, and this version never disappoints. The strawberries become jammy as they bake, the cream cheese adds richness, and the cake mix forms a golden, slightly crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft layers beneath. What makes this dessert especially appealing is how forgiving it is. There is no precise technique required, which makes it ideal for beginner bakers or busy days. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a reliable, indulgent dessert that everyone loves.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Easy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy, irresistibly sweet dessert made by layering strawberry pie filling, a creamy cheesecake mixture, and cake mix—creating a warm, gooey, cobbler-like treat with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and gently swirl.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Use lemon cake mix for a bright, fruity twist.
- For richer texture, add 1/2 cup chopped cream cheese chunks instead of mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big flavor with very little work. It is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting dessert fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Strawberry pie filling
Strawberry pie filling creates the fruity, sweet base and adds moisture.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and that classic cheesecake flavor.
Granulated sugar
Sugar lightly sweetens the cream cheese layer.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the cheesecake flavor.
Yellow cake mix
Cake mix forms the buttery topping without extra mixing.
Unsalted butter
Butter melts into the cake mix to create a golden crust.
Fresh strawberries
Fresh strawberries add texture and extra fruit flavor.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is optional for garnish and presentation.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries over the filling.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire dish, covering the filling completely. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure most of the surface is moistened.
Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 10 to 12 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 40 to 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or enjoy chilled.
Variations and Customizations
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is very versatile. You can swap strawberry pie filling for cherry or blueberry filling. Use white or vanilla cake mix instead of yellow for a lighter flavor. Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for brightness. For extra indulgence, swirl sweetened condensed milk into the strawberry layer. This dessert also pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert contains dairy and gluten. It is vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted using gluten-free cake mix. Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Stir Layers
Keeping layers intact creates the best texture.
Cover Butter Evenly
This ensures a golden topping.
Serve Warm or Cold
Both ways are delicious.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dessert where ingredients are layered without mixing.
Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Yes, homemade filling works well.
Does this need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cream cheese layer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes great the next day.
Can I freeze dump cake?
Freezing is not recommended for best texture.
What cake mix works best?
Yellow or vanilla cake mix works well.
Is this very sweet?
It is balanced with creamy and fruity layers.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, sliced almonds or pecans add crunch.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, it is very popular with kids.
What should I serve with it?
Ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert that delivers creamy cheesecake flavor, sweet strawberries, and a buttery cake topping with almost no effort. Perfect for busy days, celebrations, or casual gatherings, this recipe is a dependable favorite that proves simple desserts can still be wonderfully indulgent.
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