Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake with the sweet allure of strawberries in a dessert that’s almost too easy to be true. This effortless recipe takes just minutes to assemble but tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions, it’s a foolproof dessert that never fails to impress.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: A Blissfully Easy Dessert Sensation
When it comes to desserts that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake stands in a league of its own. This ingenious creation combines the beloved flavors of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries with the convenience of a dump cake, resulting in a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when in reality, it’s almost effortless to prepare.
What makes this dessert truly special is its ability to transform simple pantry staples into something that tastes decidedly gourmet. The magic happens as the cake bakes – the cream cheese mixture melds with the strawberries and cake mix to create distinct layers of flavor and texture. The top develops a slightly crispy, buttery crust while underneath, you’ll find a luscious combination of tangy cheesecake and sweet-tart strawberries.
This recipe is perfect for those moments when you need a show-stopping dessert but don’t have the time or energy for complicated baking procedures. It’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without stress. The beauty of this dump cake lies not just in its simplicity, but in its versatility – it can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or chilled for a refreshing summer treat.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Up to 2 hours
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Best served: Slightly warm or chilled
- Make ahead: Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance
Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil (for storage)
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
For the Topping:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Make the cheesecake layer:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla
- Mix until well combined and creamy
- Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan
- Add the fruit layer:
- Spoon strawberry pie filling over cream cheese layer
- Gently spread to create an even layer
- Create the cake topping:
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over strawberry layer
- Pour melted butter over cake mix, covering as much as possible
- Top with sliced almonds if using
- Bake:
- Place in preheated oven
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown
- Center should be set with slight jiggle
- Finish and serve:
- Cool for at least 30 minutes
- Serve warm or refrigerate until chilled
- Top with whipped cream if desired
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing
- Don’t stir the layers together – they will create distinct layers while baking
- Cover any dry cake mix spots with butter to prevent powder patches
- Can substitute other pie fillings for different variations
- If top browns too quickly, cover with foil while baking
- For clean slices, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cake mix
- Add fresh strawberries as garnish before serving
- For extra richness, serve with vanilla ice cream