Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Introduction

Craving a dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with strawberry goodness but requires minimal effort? What if you could toss together a decadent cake with just a few ingredients and have it ready in under an hour? Say hello to Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! This delightful treat combines juicy strawberry pie filling, rich cream cheese, and a buttery vanilla cake mix topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dessert, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Ready to create some fruity, cheesy magic? Let’s grab a baking dish and get started!

Overview

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, oven-baked dessert made by layering strawberry pie filling, cream cheese slices, and a buttery vanilla cake mix in a 9×13-inch dish, then baking until bubbly and golden. What makes it special? The effortless “dump and bake” method creates a dessert with a cheesecake-like creaminess, fruity sweetness, and a crisp topping, all without the complexity of traditional cheesecake. This easy recipe takes about 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes baking) and serves 12–15, making it ideal for sharing.

• Time Requirement: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes baking)
• Difficulty Level: Easy (perfect for beginners)
• Servings: 12–15

Essential Ingredients

The magic of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

For the Dump Cake

• Vanilla or French Vanilla Cake Mix (15.25 oz, 1 box): Forms a buttery, crumbly topping that bakes into a golden crust.
• Butter (1 stick, ½ cup, melted): Combines with the cake mix to create a rich, crisp topping.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, 1 package): Adds a creamy, tangy layer that mimics cheesecake flavor.
• Strawberry Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Provides a sweet, juicy base with vibrant strawberry flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cake Mix: Use yellow or white cake mix; for homemade, combine 2½ cups flour, 1½ cups sugar, 2½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and mix with melted butter.
• Butter: Swap with margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option; coconut oil works but adds a slight tropical flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese, vegan cream cheese, or Neufchâtel for a lighter texture; softened cream cheese spread in dollops can substitute if slicing is difficult.
• Strawberry Pie Filling: Replace with cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling; use homemade filling (2 lbs fresh strawberries, ¾ cup sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, cooked until thick).
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan cake mix, vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and vegan-friendly pie filling (check labels for gelatin).
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure pie filling is gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is incredibly easy with a no-fuss layering and baking process. Follow these instructions for a perfect dessert every time:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Tip: Use a glass or metal dish for even baking, and ensure the oven is fully preheated.
2. Prepare the Cake Mix Topping:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, melt 1 stick (½ cup) butter in the microwave or on the stovetop, about 30–60 seconds.
   • Add 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or French vanilla cake mix to the melted butter and mix with a fork until well combined and crumbly, about 1–2 minutes.
   • Set aside.
   • Tip: Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand with small clumps for a textured topping; avoid overmixing to keep it crumbly.
3. Layer the Strawberry Filling:
   • Pour 2 cans (21 oz each) of strawberry pie filling into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Spread evenly with a spatula to cover the bottom of the dish.
   • Tip: Smooth the filling to ensure an even base, and check for any large strawberry chunks to distribute evenly.
4. Add the Cream Cheese Layer:
   • Unwrap 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese and slice into thin pieces (about ⅛–¼ inch thick) using a sharp knife.
   • Lay the cream cheese slices evenly over the strawberry pie filling, covering as much of the surface as possible.
   • Tip: Soften the cream cheese slightly (10–15 minutes at room temperature) for easier slicing, and overlap slices slightly if needed to cover gaps.
5. Top with Cake Mix:
   • Sprinkle the crumbly cake mix mixture evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers, covering the entire surface.
   • Use your hands or a spoon to spread it out, ensuring no large clumps remain.
   • Tip: Distribute the topping evenly to avoid bare spots, and break up any large clumps for a uniform bake.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden brown.
   • Check for doneness: the topping should be crisp, and the filling should be visibly bubbling.
   • Tip: Rotate the dish halfway through if your oven has hot spots, and cover with foil if the top browns too quickly after 25 minutes.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the layers to set slightly.
   • Spoon or slice into 12–15 portions, serving warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh strawberries.
   • Tip: Use a large spoon to capture all layers, and serve in bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation.

Assembly

Assembling Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is all about layering juicy, creamy, and crumbly components for a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it look and taste incredible:

• Layer Thoughtfully: Spread the pie filling evenly, place cream cheese slices uniformly, and sprinkle the topping consistently for a balanced result.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Use a deep 9×13-inch dish to hold the layers without spilling, and spray well to prevent sticking.
  • Slice cream cheese thinly to ensure it melts evenly into the filling, creating a cheesecake-like texture.
  • Melt butter fully for the topping to coat the cake mix evenly, avoiding dry patches.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Serve in the baking dish or scoop into bowls to highlight the golden topping and bubbly strawberry filling.
  • Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a vibrant, inviting look.
  • Pair with iced tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a complete dessert experience, perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or family dinners.
  • Scoop generously to showcase the creamy, fruity, and crumbly layers, and offer extra napkins for this delightfully messy treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is best warm but can be prepped or stored with these tips to maintain its quality:

• Make-Ahead:
  • Prepare the cake mix and butter topping up to 1 day in advance, store in an airtight container at room temperature, and stir before using.
  • Assemble the cake (without baking) up to 4 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate; bake just before serving to maintain texture.
  • Tip: Don’t assemble too early, as the cream cheese may soften the filling; bake within a few hours for the best result.
• Storage:
  • Store leftovers in the baking dish, covered with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to warm through, or serve cold for a firmer texture.
  • Tip: Cover tightly to prevent drying, and store with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture from the filling.
• Freezing:
  • Freezing is not recommended, as the cream cheese and pie filling may become watery or separate when thawed. If necessary, freeze the baked cake for up to 1 month, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
  • Tip: Prepare fresh for the best texture and flavor, as freezing compromises the creamy layers.

Recipe Variations

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is versatile and fun to customize. Here are some creative twists to try:

• Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Replace strawberry pie filling with cherry pie filling for a tart, classic flavor.
• Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake: Use blueberry pie filling and add 1 tsp lemon zest to the cake mix for a bright, summery twist.
• Peach Cheesecake Dump Cake: Swap strawberry filling for peach pie filling and use yellow cake mix for a Southern-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a decadent, berry-chocolate combo.
• Gluten-Free Dump Cake: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure pie filling is gluten-free.
• Vegan Dump Cake: Use a vegan cake mix, vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and vegan-friendly pie filling.

Safety and Tips

Baking and assembling a dump cake requires minimal effort but some care for a safe and successful result:

• Handle Hot Equipment Carefully: Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking dish, and let the cake cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
• Work with Melted Butter Safely: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on low heat, and stir carefully to avoid splattering.
• Prevent Sticking: Spray the baking dish thoroughly, and use a spatula to loosen edges if needed when serving.
• Clean Up Spills: Wipe sticky pie filling or butter spills immediately with a damp cloth, and soak tools in hot water for easy cleaning.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 15 servings):

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~3 g
• Fat: ~15 g
• Carbohydrates: ~50 g
• Sugar: ~30 g
• Fiber: ~1 g Note: Values are approximate and vary based on ingredient brands and portion size. Adding ice cream or whipped cream will increase calories and fat.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to create a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s as effortless as it is delicious! This 45-minute recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a sweet, creamy treat. With its juicy strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and buttery topping, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Feel free to tweak the filling, cake mix, or garnishes to make it your own. Grab your baking dish, dump those ingredients, and enjoy every warm, fruity bite. Happy baking, and savor the strawberry cheesecake bliss!

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FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to make a homemade filling: cook 2 lbs fresh strawberries with ¾ cup sugar and 2 tbsp cornstarch until thick, then cool before using.

2. Is this cake healthy?
It’s a dessert with sugar, butter, and cream cheese. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pie filling, or half the butter. Enjoy in moderation.

3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan cake mix, vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and vegan-friendly pie filling (check for gelatin).

4. Why is my topping dry?
Insufficient butter or uneven mixing can cause a dry topping. Ensure all cake mix is coated with melted butter, and spread evenly to avoid thick patches.

5. Can I use a different dish size?
Yes! An 8×8-inch dish makes a thicker cake (bake 35–40 minutes); a 9×13-inch dish is standard. Adjust ingredient amounts (e.g., 1 can pie filling for smaller dishes).

6. How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Slice thinly or soften slightly before layering to ensure even melting. Alternatively, dollop softened cream cheese and spread gently.

7. Can I prep this for a gathering?
Yes! Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Or bake up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore warmth, or serve cold for a firmer texture.