The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake, the sweetness of strawberries, and the buttery goodness of a cake mix. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make treat is ideal when you want something decadent without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are a novice or an experienced baker, this recipe guarantees a dessert that will impress your family and friends. With layers of cream cheese, strawberry pie filling, and cake mix baked to golden perfection, it’s an indulgent dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries, for topping (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
- Next, pour the strawberry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Spread it gently to ensure an even layer without mixing it with the cheesecake.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
- Take the cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry pie filling. Be sure to cover the entire dish with a consistent layer. Do not stir the layers.
Step 5: Pour the Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Ensure most of the dry cake mix is moistened by the butter.
- If there are small dry spots, don’t worry—they will bake into a slightly crispy topping, adding texture to the dessert.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the cake cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
- Lemon Cheesecake: Replace the vanilla cake mix with lemon cake mix and add a dash of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrus twist.
- Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Substitute half the strawberry pie filling with a mixed berry filling like blueberries or raspberries.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or graham cracker crumbs over the cake mix before drizzling with butter for added texture.
COOKING Note
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Make sure the butter is melted, not solid, as this ensures even baking.
- Avoid stirring the layers; the magic of a dump cake comes from letting the layers bake together naturally.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm or chilled for different textures.
- Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy experience.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
- For added flavor, drizzle a little chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
- Customization: Try experimenting with different pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or raspberry for a unique twist.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugars: 28g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
A: Yes, but you will need to create a simple strawberry compote by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before serving or serve chilled.
Q: Can I freeze the dump cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
Q: What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
A: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave it in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and buttery goodness, layered together with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers a decadent dessert without stress. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can customize it with different flavors, and it’s just as delicious warm or cold. Try this irresistible dessert today, and enjoy the perfect blend of cheesecake and strawberries in every bite!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries, for topping (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
- Next, pour the strawberry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Spread it gently to ensure an even layer without mixing it with the cheesecake.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
- Take the cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry pie filling. Be sure to cover the entire dish with a consistent layer. Do not stir the layers.
Step 5: Pour the Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Ensure most of the dry cake mix is moistened by the butter.
- If there are small dry spots, don’t worry—they will bake into a slightly crispy topping, adding texture to the dessert.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the cake cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
COOKING Note
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Make sure the butter is melted, not solid, as this ensures even baking.
- Avoid stirring the layers; the magic of a dump cake comes from letting the layers bake together naturally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g