If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This irresistible combination of sweet strawberry pie filling, tangy cheesecake layers, and a buttery strawberry cake topping is pure comfort in every bite. Effortless to make and bursting with color and flavor, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to whip up for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you need a touch of strawberry-scented joy in your week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how each ingredient pulls its weight. Every element is chosen for maximum flavor and texture, so don’t be tempted to swap things out unless you have to. Here’s what makes this cake truly special:
- Strawberry cake mix: Provides a vibrant color and a burst of berry flavor that acts as the perfect sweet foundation.
- Strawberry pie filling: Adds a fruity, jammy layer that guarantees a moist bite every time.
- Cream cheese (softened): Ensures that creamy, cheesecake-like swirls throughout the cake, bringing a dreamy richness.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and makes the cheesecake component extra velvety and luscious.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the creamy layer just enough without overpowering, keeping every bite balanced.
- Butter (melted): Helps the cake mix topping bake into a golden, irresistible crust.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors, making both the cheesecake and cake layers taste like pure dessert magic.
- Whipped topping: A dollop of light, fluffy whipped topping is the finishing touch that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Mix the Cheesecake Layer
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned spoon and elbow grease until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy. This step brings that luscious cheesecake essence to our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake and guarantees little pockets of creamy goodness throughout every slice.
Step 2: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This fruity foundation will bubble up as the cake bakes, adding both moisture and flavor to each bite.
Step 3: Layer the Cream Cheese Mixture
Next, take spoonfuls of your cream cheese mixture and drop them across the top of the strawberry pie filling. You don’t need to smooth it out completely—those rustic dollops bake into irresistible little cheesecakey surprises!
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Open your box of strawberry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over all the layers below. Be sure you’re using it dry—don’t mix with eggs or oil. The magic of dump cakes is the simplicity and the way the dry mix forms a perfect, crumbly top once baked.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Bake
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. This is what helps create that golden, lightly crisp top. Slide the pan into the oven, bake for 45-50 minutes, and let the heavenly smell take over your kitchen. Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake should be bubbling around the edges and gorgeously golden on top when it’s done.
Step 6: Cool and Top
Once it’s baked, give it a few minutes to cool slightly. Top the cake with generous dollops of whipped topping, then slice and serve. The contrast between the still-warm cake and the cold, creamy topping is pure bliss.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and freshness, try garnishing your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with sliced fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a few mint leaves. These simple touches bring brightness to every plate.
Side Dishes
This dessert sparkles all on its own, but if you’d like to round out your spread, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. The creamy coolness and contrasting tartness are perfect companions to every forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
Have some fun with presentation! Try serving individual portions in mason jars for a picnic-ready treat, or layer in parfait glasses for a stunning, layered effect. For a party, small squares arranged on a platter and topped with mini meringues or bite-sized cookies will make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake the belle of the dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors meld together even more after a night in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or cover the entire pan with foil and bake at 300°F until heated through. Top with fresh whipped topping after reheating for that freshly-made, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While strawberry cake mix amplifies the berry flavor, you can swap in white or vanilla cake mix for a creamy, classic twist, or go bold with chocolate for a decadent spin.
Is it necessary to use strawberry pie filling, or can I substitute other fruits?
While strawberry is amazing, you can play around with other pie fillings like blueberry or cherry. Just keep in mind that swapping flavors will change the name and personality of the cake, but the method remains the same!
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake the day before?
Definitely. In fact, letting the cake chill overnight actually intensifies the flavors and helps it set up nicely, making it even easier to slice and serve the next day.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut your block of cream cheese into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in short bursts (about 10 seconds per time) until soft.
Should the whipped topping be added before serving or right after baking?
For the best texture, add whipped topping right before serving. This keeps it billowy and fresh, and contrasts wonderfully with the warm or chilled cake layers beneath.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a foolproof, delightfully nostalgic dessert, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is calling your name! Each bite bursts with berry flavor and sweet creaminess, making it perfect for any celebration—or just a cozy night in. Don’t wait to share this easy favorite with your friends and family; everyone will want the recipe!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful and easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 can strawberry pie filling
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cream cheese: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread pie filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Add cream cheese mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling.
- Top with cake mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle butter: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly, then top with whipped topping before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled for best flavor.
- Can be topped with fresh strawberries for added garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
