Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy dessert made with simple ingredients and almost no prep. You just layer everything in the baking dish, bake, and enjoy a soft cake with creamy cheesecake flavor and sweet strawberries. It’s perfect for busy days, family gatherings, or when you want a quick dessert without much effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dump cake is rich, creamy, and fruity all at once. The strawberries bring sweetness, the cream cheese adds a cheesecake-like layer, and the cake mix creates a soft golden topping. It’s beginner-friendly and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add Strawberry Layer
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Add fresh strawberries on top if using.
Step 3: Add Cheesecake Layer
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir.
Step 5: Add Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden on top and bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Use cherry or blueberry pie filling
- Add white chocolate chips on top
- Use lemon cake mix for a tangy twist
- Swirl cream cheese gently for a marbled look
- Add crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake crust feel
Cooking Notes
- Do not mix the layers; dumping is key
- Make sure butter covers most of the cake mix
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture
- Baking time may vary depending on oven
- If top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil
- Let rest before serving for best texture
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
- Add whipped cream on top
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving
- Serve with fresh strawberries on the side
- Pair with coffee or tea
- Perfect for potlucks and holidays
Tips
- Slice butter thin if not melting
- Use glass or ceramic baking dish
- For less sweetness, reduce sugar in cream cheese
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge
- Reheat individual portions gently
- Best enjoyed within 2–3 days
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain first.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, because of the cream cheese.
Can I use chocolate cake mix?
Yes, but flavor will be richer.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect easy dessert when you want big flavor with minimal effort. With creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and soft cake topping, it’s a dessert everyone will love.