Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate treat for those who love rich, creamy desserts with a fruity twist. The best part is how incredibly simple it is to make! There’s no need to fuss with intricate layers or complicated steps. Just a few simple ingredients, a bit of mixing, and the oven does the rest. The result? A warm, gooey cake with a delicious cheesecake base, topped with juicy strawberries, all wrapped up in a golden, slightly crispy cake topping. It’s the perfect dessert for when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add the Strawberry Pie Filling: Spoon the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the strawberry pie filling. Do not stir; simply spread the cake mix out as evenly as possible over the filling.
Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering most of the surface. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Variations

Berry Mix: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for other berry pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry for a different flavor.
Fresh Fruit: Add fresh chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer before adding the pie filling for added texture and freshness.
Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the cake mix before baking.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it in the container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place a serving in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent the top from becoming too dry.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just bake it and let it cool completely before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you will need to cook them down with some sugar to create a sauce-like consistency similar to pie filling.

3. Can I substitute the yellow cake mix?

Sure! You can try other cake mixes, such as white, vanilla, or even strawberry for an extra berry flavor.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this dump cake. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.

5. How do I prevent the cake mix from getting too dry?

Make sure to drizzle the butter evenly over the dry cake mix. If the cake appears too dry after baking, consider adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to add moisture.

6. Can I add more cream cheese for a richer cheesecake flavor?

Absolutely! You can add an additional 4 oz of cream cheese for a thicker, richer base if you want more of a cheesecake effect.

7. Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Yes, you can use any pie filling you like—blueberry, peach, or apple can all be delicious alternatives.

8. Can I make this in a different size pan?

Yes, you can adjust the pan size. If using a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and may need a slightly longer bake time. For a larger pan, the cake may bake faster.

9. Can I add whipped cream or ice cream when serving?

Yes! Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds an extra indulgent touch to this dessert and pairs wonderfully with the warm, fruity cake.

10. Can I make this without butter?

Butter adds richness and moisture, but you can substitute it with vegetable oil or even applesauce if you prefer.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that delivers both flavor and ease. With its creamy cheesecake base, sweet strawberry topping, and buttery cake layer, this dessert will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just need a quick treat, this dump cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Enjoy!