Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: A Sweet and Easy Dessert Delight
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a quick, no-fuss, and indulgent treat. With its rich layers of creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry pie filling, and buttery cake topping, this dessert delivers all the flavors of a traditional cheesecake without the time and effort typically required. This simple and delicious recipe is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a showstopping dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistible.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a type of dessert that requires minimal preparation, often involving dumping the ingredients directly into a baking dish, hence the name. Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing, a dump cake combines a few ingredients to create a layered dessert that bakes into a gooey, sweet, and decadent treat. The beauty of a dump cake is its simplicity, making it a favorite for busy bakers or anyone seeking a hassle-free dessert.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Origins
The concept of dump cakes became popular in the 1980s when home cooks embraced the idea of using boxed cake mixes to make quick and delicious desserts. This particular version of a dump cake combines the flavors of cheesecake and strawberries, bringing together two classic dessert elements into one easy-to-prepare dish. By layering strawberry pie filling, a cream cheese mixture, and cake mix, it captures the essence of a traditional cheesecake topped with sweet fruit while providing the texture of a cake.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The base for this dessert, providing structure and a slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling: Adds a sweet, fruity layer that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: The key ingredient for the cheesecake layer, giving the cake its smooth and tangy richness.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling for a balanced flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake layer and brings a warm depth to the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced into thin pats: The butter adds a rich, golden finish to the top of the cake, ensuring a crispy, buttery crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Simply follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in less than an hour!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick while baking. You can use cooking spray or butter for greasing.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Evenly spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the greased baking dish. The fruit filling will provide a sweet and juicy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This cream cheese layer gives the cake its cheesecake-like texture and flavor. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, spreading it as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Next, evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Make sure the entire surface is covered, but don’t worry about pressing it down or mixing it in. The cake mix will create a slightly crumbly and golden topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Slice the butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, soaking into the cake mix and creating a golden, crispy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs), the cake is ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the strawberry cheesecake dump cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Use Fresh Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps to create a smooth and creamy texture in the cheesecake layer.
- Try Different Fruit Fillings: While this recipe calls for strawberry pie filling, you can experiment with other fruit fillings like blueberry, cherry, or peach for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a different flavor in your cheesecake layer, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest to give it a slight citrus kick.
- Serve with Toppings: Top your strawberry cheesecake dump cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra special touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is the epitome of comfort food — simple, indulgent, and downright delicious. It combines the best elements of cheesecake and cake in one easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a family gathering, or just need a quick dessert for a weeknight treat, this dump cake delivers big flavor with little effort. Enjoy the creamy, fruity layers and golden cake topping with every bite!
Recommendation:
For a truly decadent experience, serve this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to take this treat to the next level.