Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: An Easy and Delicious Dessert

The Ultimate Easy Dessert for Strawberry Lovers

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With minimal prep time and a simple “dump and bake” method, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and busy cooks alike. It features layers of sweet strawberry pie filling, a creamy cheesecake mixture, and a buttery, cakey topping, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from potlucks and parties to a simple weeknight treat. The best part is, you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!

A Dump Cake That’s Always a Hit

I first discovered the magic of dump cakes a few years ago when I needed a quick and easy dessert for a last-minute gathering. I was amazed at how simple they were to make – just dump the ingredients in a pan and bake! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake quickly became my favorite variation. The combination of the sweet strawberry filling, the tangy cheesecake layer, and the buttery cake topping is simply irresistible. It’s always a hit whenever I make it, and people are always surprised at how easy it is to prepare. It’s become my go-to dessert for potlucks and parties, and I always get requests for the recipe. It’s also a great dessert to make with kids, as they can help with dumping and spreading the ingredients.

Ingredient Insights: Simple Ingredients, Delicious Results

This recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Strawberry Pie Filling (2 15-ounce cans): Provides the sweet and fruity base for the dump cake.
  • Tip: Use your favorite brand of strawberry pie filling.
  • Alternative: You can also use other fruit pie fillings, such as cherry, blueberry, or apple.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a creamy, cheesecake-like layer.
  • Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the cheesecake mixture together.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla or White Cake Mix (1 package): Forms the base of the buttery, cake-like topping.
  • Tip: A white or vanilla cake mix provides a nice, neutral flavor that complements the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Yellow cake mix can be used as well.
• Salted Butter (½ cup, cold): Adds richness and creates a slightly crispy topping.
  • Tip: Using cold butter and slicing it thinly helps create a more even topping.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh Strawberries: Add a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Easy Dump Cake Assembly

• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: The standard size for this dump cake recipe.
• Mixing Bowl (Medium): For preparing the cheesecake mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rubber Spatula: For spreading the layers in the baking dish.
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand): For beating the cream cheese mixture.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Ingredients with Measurements

• 2 (15-ounce) cans of strawberry pie filling
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 package vanilla or white cake mix
• ½ cup salted butter, cold

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Getting Ready to Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the dump cake from sticking and make it easier to serve.

2. Create the Strawberry Base: A Sweet and Fruity Foundation

1. Spread Pie Filling: Open the cans of strawberry pie filling and spread them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Cheesecake Layer: A Creamy and Tangy Swirl

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar and egg to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined.
3. Combine: Beat until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of cream cheese.

4. Assemble the Dump Cake: Building the Layers

1. Drop Cheesecake Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry pie filling in the baking dish.
2. Spread Slightly: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the cheesecake mixture, creating an even layer. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, and it’s okay if some of the strawberry filling peeks through.
3. Sprinkle Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer, covering it completely.
   • Tip: Try to distribute the cake mix as evenly as possible to ensure even baking.

5. Add the Butter: Creating a Golden-Brown Topping

1. Slice Butter: Thinly slice the cold salted butter into small pats or squares.
2. Distribute Evenly: Distribute the butter slices evenly across the top of the dry cake mix.
   • Tip: The butter will melt during baking and seep into the cake mix, creating a moist and flavorful topping.

6. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Golden-Brown and Bubbly Dessert

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Baking Time: Bake for 40-45 minutes.
   • Check for Doneness: The dump cake is done when the topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

7. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Creation

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the dump cake cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
2. Serve Warm or Chilled: You can serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your preference.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Cake Mix Not Moistened:
  • Problem: The cake mix topping is dry and powdery in spots.
  • Solutions: Make sure the butter is evenly distributed over the cake mix.
• Cheesecake Layer Runny:
  • Problem: The cheesecake layer is too soft and runny.
  • Solutions: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened but not too warm.
• Too Sweet:
  • Problem: The dump cake is too sweet.
  • Solutions: Use a less sweet pie filling.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Dump Cake

• Different Fruit Fillings: Use cherry, blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling instead of strawberry.
• Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-covered strawberry version.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter for a nutty crunch.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Instead of a distinct layer, swirl the cheesecake mixture into the pie filling for a marbled effect.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Top with homemade whipped cream just before serving.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion

• Potlucks and Parties: This dump cake is easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Holiday Desserts: A festive and delicious dessert for any holiday gathering.
• Weeknight Treat: A quick and easy dessert for a weeknight indulgence.
• Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Complements

• Drinks:
  • Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the dump cake.
  • Milk: A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing, especially for kids.
  • Tea: A light and fragrant tea, such as Earl Grey or a fruit tea, pairs well with the flavors.
• Sides:
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
  • Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, but other flavors like strawberry or cheesecake would also be delicious.
  • Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries provides a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information: A Sweet Indulgence

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 350-400, Fat: 15-20g, Carbohydrates: 45-50g, Protein: 4-6g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
  • A: Yes, you can make this dump cake a day or two in advance. Store it, covered, in the refrigerator. You can serve it cold or reheat it gently in the oven or microwave.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Q: Can I freeze this dump cake?
  • A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled dump cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Q: Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
  • A: Absolutely! Cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, or any other fruit pie filling would be delicious.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
  • A: Yes, you can use a yellow cake mix or even a chocolate cake mix for a different flavor combination.
• Q: What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
  • A: You can mix the cheesecake filling by hand with a whisk, but make sure the cream cheese is very soft.
• Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
  • A: You can use it, but using full fat will have a better texture.
• Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
  • A: Yes, you can sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top of the cake mix before adding the butter.
• Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
• A: Yes, you can, but the texture will be different.
• Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
• A: You would need to use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
• A: You would need to substitute the butter, cream cheese, and milk with dairy-free alternatives.
• Q: Can I use homemade pie filling?
• A: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade strawberry pie filling recipe, feel free to use it in place of the canned filling.