Name: Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with fruity sweetness, creamy richness, and a buttery golden top, look no further than Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This recipe is the ultimate quick-fix treat: it comes together in minutes with simple pantry staples, yet delivers all the charm of a homemade strawberry cheesecake with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re baking for a laid-back family dinner, a potluck with friends, or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, this luscious dump cake will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake pulls its weight, creating a dessert that’s delightfully balanced in flavor and texture. These are the essentials you’ll want to gather before you get started, and each one has its own special role in this crowd-pleaser.

Strawberry pie filling (1 21-ounce can): Gives the cake its vibrant color and fruity, jammy base that soaks into every bite.
Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened): Adds the creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor that sets this dump cake apart from the rest.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture, balancing out the tartness of the strawberries.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a warm, aromatic note that ties together the cake’s flavors.
Yellow cake mix (1 15.25-ounce box): The secret shortcut for a buttery, fluffy crumb on top with zero fuss.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Ensures the cake mix bakes up golden, crisp, and irresistibly rich.
Milk (1/2 cup): Helps moisten the cake mix, ensuring every forkful is tender and luscious.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing. This simple step prevents sticking and makes serving your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a breeze. You can use cooking spray or a thin layer of butter for extra flavor.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Layer

Open the can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This luscious layer will bubble up as it bakes, infusing every bite with sweet, juicy strawberry flavor.

Step 3: Make and Add the Cheesecake Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the pockets of cheesecake will create irresistible creamy swirls as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry and cheesecake layers. Take your time to get an even layer; this will ensure every corner of your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake has that classic golden, crumbly topping.

Step 5: Add the Buttery Finish

Combine the melted butter and milk in a small bowl, then pour this mixture evenly over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the surface as possible. Resist the urge to stir—this step is what gives dump cakes their signature texture, with a tender cake topping and gooey fruit layer underneath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set up just right.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

For a truly show-stopping presentation, sprinkle your dump cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh strawberry slices on top. A generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic finishing touch that melts deliciously into the warm cake.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad or a platter of fresh fruit. If you’re serving it after a hearty meal, consider a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness and round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in individual ramekins for a personalized dessert, or layer it in parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and berries for a fun twist. You can even cut it into bars for a picnic-ready treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together!

Freezing

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake freezes surprisingly well. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat single servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm larger amounts in a 300°F oven until heated through. This brings back the comforting warmth and gooey texture that make this dessert irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, this recipe works beautifully with cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling. Each brings its own unique twist to Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?

Yes, softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, creating the perfect creamy cheesecake layer. If you’re short on time, microwave the unwrapped block for 10-15 seconds to soften it quickly.

Can I make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?

You sure can! Bake it a day in advance, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Warm it up just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?

No worries! White cake mix or even a butter golden variety work just as well. The cake will still deliver that signature fluffy, buttery topping.

Is it supposed to look a little gooey inside?

Yes, that’s part of the magic! The fruit and cheesecake layers stay delectably gooey and creamy beneath the golden cake topping, just as a proper dump cake should.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake enough—it’s a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the easiest, tastiest way possible. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both fuss-free and guaranteed to impress, give this one a try and watch it disappear at your next gathering!

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that layers strawberry pie filling with a creamy cheesecake mixture and a buttery cake topping. This no-fuss recipe combines luscious strawberries, smooth cream cheese, and a golden yellow cake mix baked to perfection for a deliciously warm and comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling

Cheesecake Mixture

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base.
Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
Layer Cream Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling in the baking dish, distributing evenly but not stirring it in.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers, covering as much surface area as possible.
Combine and Pour Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake mix layer, ensuring that the surface is well moistened. Avoid stirring.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top appears golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. For an indulgent touch, serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Feel free to substitute the strawberry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings such as cherry or blueberry for variety.
Do not stir the layers after pouring the butter and milk mixture; this helps create the signature layered texture of a dump cake.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American