Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Easy & Delicious Dessert

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both decadent and effortless, you’ve just found it. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the fruity sweetness of strawberries, and the buttery goodness of cake—all in one dish. The best part? There’s no mixing required. Just dump, layer, and bake.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or when a sudden craving for something sweet hits, this recipe is a true lifesaver. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this dessert is nearly impossible to mess up. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and watch as it transforms into a warm, gooey, and irresistible treat.

What makes this cake so special is its blend of flavors and textures. The strawberry pie filling provides a jam-like fruitiness, the cream cheese mixture creates a cheesecake-like layer, and the buttery cake topping adds a satisfying crunch. When all these elements come together, the result is pure magic.

Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy dessert night, this easy dump cake is guaranteed to impress. And if you love cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, and buttery cobblers, this is going to be your new favorite dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an absolute winner. First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Unlike traditional cakes that require precise measurements and mixing, this recipe is as easy as layering and baking. Even if you’ve never baked before, you can confidently make this dessert with ease.

Another reason to love this recipe is its delicious combination of flavors. The contrast between the creamy cheesecake layer, the sweet and tart strawberries, and the crispy, buttery cake topping creates a dessert that’s satisfying in every bite. The balance of textures—soft, creamy, and slightly crunchy—makes it irresistible.

Not only is this dump cake quick and easy, but it’s also versatile. You can swap out the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or even apple to create a completely different flavor profile. You can also add toppings like nuts, coconut flakes, or even white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

And let’s not forget that this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a gathering, a quick weeknight treat, or a holiday favorite, this dump cake never disappoints.

Health Benefits

While this dessert is undeniably indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits, especially when using quality ingredients.

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support the immune system and promote healthy digestion. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall wellness.

Cream cheese provides a good source of calcium and healthy fats, which help support bone health. Choosing a high-quality cream cheese without artificial additives makes this dessert a bit healthier.

If you opt for a cake mix with fewer preservatives, you can reduce processed ingredients while still enjoying the convenience. And if you want to make this dessert slightly healthier, you can use a sugar-free or reduced-sugar pie filling.

While this dish is definitely a treat, enjoying it in moderation alongside a balanced diet can still be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not only easy to make but also quick to prepare.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8-10

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g

The exact values may vary depending on the ingredients used and any modifications made.

Ingredients List

To make this delicious dump cake, you’ll need:

• 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
• ½ cup butter, melted
• Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a flavorful base.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and milk until smooth. Spoon dollops of this mixture over the strawberry layer.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cheesecake and strawberries. There’s no need to stir—just make sure it covers the surface.

Step 5: Drizzle the Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring it soaks through to create a crisp topping.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serving this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is as easy as making it, but there are a few ways to elevate your dessert experience. This cake is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, when the strawberry filling is still bubbling and the top is perfectly golden brown.

To make it even more indulgent, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy, cold ice cream complements the warm, gooey cake, creating a delightful contrast in texture and temperature. If you prefer a lighter topping, whipped cream is another great option. A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a smooth and airy touch that enhances the richness of the cheesecake layer.

For added freshness, garnish with sliced fresh strawberries. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish look more visually appealing. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top for a touch of elegance.

If you’re serving this at a special occasion or gathering, try presenting it in individual dessert bowls or ramekins for a more refined touch. This makes it easier for guests to enjoy without the need for slicing and plating.

For those who love a bit of extra crunch, a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted almonds sprinkled on top before serving will provide a satisfying texture. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pairing Suggestions

To fully enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, pairing it with the right drinks or accompaniments can enhance its flavors.

A classic pairing is coffee or tea. The slightly bitter taste of black coffee or an unsweetened tea balances out the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer something creamier, a latte or cappuccino pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheesecake layer.

For a refreshing contrast, serve this dessert with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the cake’s buttery and creamy texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.

If you’re serving this at a dinner party or special occasion, consider pairing it with a dessert wine such as Moscato, Riesling, or a light Rosé. These wines have fruity and floral notes that match the strawberry and cheesecake flavors perfectly.

For a more decadent experience, serve the cake with a strawberry or raspberry sauce drizzled over the top. This adds an extra layer of fruity sweetness and makes the dish feel even more luxurious.

If you love chocolate, a hot chocolate or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the cake can add a delicious twist. The richness of the chocolate blends well with the creamy and fruity flavors of the dump cake.

Whether you’re serving it as a casual treat or a fancy dessert, these pairing options will take your strawberry cheesecake dump cake experience to the next level.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which might not happen because this cake is so delicious), storing and reheating it properly will ensure you can enjoy it later.

Refrigeration

To keep your dump cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days. If you’ve already cut the cake, store individual portions in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cake for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, store it in a freezer-safe airtight container.

When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover dump cake warm, you can reheat it using the following methods:

• Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the cake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C) and reheat the cake for about 5-7 minutes for a crispy top.

Avoid overheating, as this can cause the cheesecake layer to dry out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Not Spreading the Cake Mix Evenly

If the cake mix isn’t distributed evenly over the cheesecake and strawberries, some parts may turn out dry while others remain too gooey. To prevent this, make sure you sprinkle the cake mix in a uniform layer.

2. Using Too Little Butter

The melted butter is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden-brown topping. If you don’t use enough, the cake mix might stay powdery in some spots instead of forming a delicious crust.

3. Overbaking the Cake

If left in the oven too long, the cheesecake layer can become rubbery and the topping may burn. Check your cake at 40 minutes, and if the top is golden brown and bubbling, it’s ready.

4. Using Cold Cream Cheese

Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend smoothly, leading to lumps in the cheesecake layer. Always use softened cream cheese for a creamy and even texture.

5. Stirring the Layers

Unlike traditional cakes, you should not mix the layers together. Just dump the ingredients into the baking dish as directed and let the oven do the work.

Pro Tips

Want to make this cake even better? Try these expert tips:

• For a crunchier topping, mix the cake mix with chopped pecans, walnuts, or coconut flakes before sprinkling it over the cream cheese layer.
• Experiment with different cake mix flavors—instead of vanilla or yellow cake mix, try white cake mix or butter pecan mix for a different twist.
• Enhance the cheesecake flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
• Swap out the strawberry filling for blueberry, cherry, or apple pie filling to create new variations of this dessert.
• For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of melted butter. The nuttiness of browned butter adds depth to the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to get the same jam-like consistency.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cake and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready, bake it fresh.

3. Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?

Absolutely! A gluten-free cake mix works just as well for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

5. Can I use a sugar-free alternative?

Yes, you can use sugar-free pie filling and a sugar substitute in the cream cheese layer for a lower-sugar version.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. With creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery cake topping, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try! Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. If you try it, share your experience in the comments and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy and happy baking!

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