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

1. Prepare the pan:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
2. 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
3. Add the fruit layer:
   • Spoon strawberry pie filling over cream cheese layer
   • Gently spread to create an even layer
4. 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
5. Bake:
   • Place in preheated oven
   • Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown
   • Center should be set with slight jiggle
6. 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