Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: A Deliciously Easy Dessert for Every Occasion

When it comes to quick and scrumptious desserts, few recipes are as effortless and delightful as a strawberry cheesecake dump cake. This dessert brings together the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries, the creamy goodness of cheesecake, and the rich, buttery crunch of cake, all in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe promises to deliver a dessert that’s as impressive as it is simple.

What Is a Dump Cake and Why Is It So Popular?

A dump cake is a dessert that lives up to its name—it’s a cake that you essentially “dump” into a baking dish. The simplicity of the preparation is what makes dump cakes so beloved by home bakers and busy cooks alike. All the ingredients are placed into a baking dish, with minimal stirring or mixing involved, then baked into a decadent treat that looks and tastes as though it took hours of preparation.

The popularity of dump cakes stems from their convenience and delicious flavor. They eliminate the need for complicated techniques or extensive prep work, yet they yield a dessert that is rich and flavorful. And when you combine the flavors of strawberries, cheesecake, and a golden, buttery cake topping, you have a dessert that’s sure to impress any crowd.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

To make the best strawberry cheesecake dump cake, there are a few key ingredients you’ll need. Here’s what to gather for this simple yet irresistible dessert:

• Strawberry Pie Filling: The heart of this dump cake is the sweet and tangy strawberry pie filling. It forms the base of the cake, giving it that luscious strawberry flavor. If fresh strawberries are in season, you can opt for homemade strawberry filling, but canned pie filling is a quick and convenient alternative.
• Yellow Cake Mix: The yellow cake mix serves as the topping, giving the cake a soft, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling. It’s essential to use a classic yellow cake mix for the best result, though you can experiment with other flavors if you like.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese mixture is what gives this dump cake its signature cheesecake flavor. By blending softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, you’ll create a smooth and tangy layer that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture, balancing the tartness of the strawberries and ensuring the dessert is indulgent without being overly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth of flavor to the cream cheese layer, enhancing the overall taste and creating a comforting and familiar flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: The butter is drizzled over the dry cake mix, creating a golden, crispy topping that completes the dessert with a rich, satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Strawberries (Optional): Fresh strawberries are optional but highly recommended for garnish. They not only add color and freshness to the finished cake but also intensify the strawberry flavor, making the dish look even more appealing.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter works well for this. The greased surface ensures that your dump cake won’t stick to the dish, allowing you to easily serve it once it’s done.

Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling

Once your baking dish is ready, open the can of strawberry pie filling and pour it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out so it covers the entire base of the dish. This layer will act as the fruity, tangy foundation of your dessert.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy. The cream cheese should blend seamlessly with the sugar and vanilla, creating a velvety cheesecake filling.

Once your cheesecake mixture is smooth, drop spoonfuls of it over the strawberry pie filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just drop spoonfuls and spread them gently over the filling. The goal is to create a cheesecake layer that will bake beautifully into the strawberries.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Next, open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cheesecake mixture. You don’t need to mix the cake mix into the layers below—simply let the dry cake mix cover the entire surface. This creates a crumbly, golden topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Drizzle the Butter

Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the dry cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible, as the melted butter will help create the golden, crispy texture on top. The butter also adds richness and flavor to the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the dump cake for 40 to 45 minutes. As the cake bakes, the top will turn a golden brown, and the filling will bubble up, creating an irresistible dessert aroma in your kitchen. You’ll know the cake is done when the top is golden and the filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. While the cake is still warm, serve it up and enjoy. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh strawberries on top. This not only adds freshness but also enhances the strawberry flavor for a perfect finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Quick and Easy: This dump cake recipe is perfect for busy home bakers. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can have a delicious dessert ready to serve in just under an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries, cheesecake, and buttery cake is a flavor trio that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a birthday party, or a casual get-together, this dessert is sure to please a crowd.
• Versatile and Customizable: While this recipe calls for strawberry pie filling, you can easily swap it for other fruit fillings like blueberry, cherry, or peach. Additionally, you can add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Comforting Dessert: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, gooey cake topped with fresh fruit and a rich cheesecake layer. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and satisfying, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Conclusion: The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a perfect example of a simple, fuss-free dessert that delivers big on flavor. With its delicious strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and buttery cake topping, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special event or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe is one that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 380 kcal per serving