If you’re someone who loves desserts that bring joy without a lot of fuss, then this Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is calling your name! Imagine this: a luscious cheesecake filling that peeks through layers of fluffy cake and sweet strawberries, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries.
This recipe is ideal for busy home cooks or those who might feel intimidated by traditional cheesecake-making methods. Why fuss with crusts and water baths when you can simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish and create a masterpiece? This dump cake captures the taste of a handmade cheesecake while being incredibly easy to prepare. Just a little prep time and your oven does the rest — it really is that simple!
Besides its divine flavor and texture, there’s something undeniably appealing about a recipe that encourages experimentation. Feel free to customize this dump cake with different fruits or even toppings, which makes it versatile for any occasion, be it a laid-back family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
How to Make Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Creating this scrumptious dessert is a breeze! Just follow these steps to whip up a treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 can strawberry pie filling: This will serve as the sweet, fruity base of our cake.
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also add a fresh burst of color and texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the star of the show, adding that rich, creamy layer we crave in cheesecakes.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind the cheesecake filling and gives it structure.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: This balances the tartness of the berries and cream cheese.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix: The base of your dump cake, providing structure and a hint of sweetness.
- 10 tablespoons butter, melted: This enriches the top layer, creating a delightful crisp as it bakes.
Directions
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this cake!
Prepare the Baking Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure everything bakes up just right and nothing sticks. This is an important step because you want to make serving easy!
Layer the Strawberry Filling: Start by gently spreading the can of strawberry pie filling over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to cover the surface evenly. Then, distribute the sliced fresh strawberries on top. They add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh texture that’s hard to resist.
Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, the large egg, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. It’s key to ensure that there are no lumps—you want a uniform texture for that creamy cheesecake experience. Breathe in that lovely aroma as it comes together!
Pour and Smooth: Next, pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently smooth it out, making sure it’s evenly distributed. It’s like giving your cake a cozy blanket of indulgence!
Add the Cake Mix: Now it’s time for the vanilla cake mix! Evenly sprinkle it over the cheesecake filling. Taking your time here is crucial. The goal is to make sure there are no clumps, which helps with even baking.
Drizzle the Butter: Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will seep through during baking, combining with the cake mix to create a deliciously crispy topping — it’s a treat you will want to savor!
Bake the Cake: Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Your dreamy dessert is ready when it’s golden-brown on top and bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on that oven; it’s a beautiful sight!
Let it Cool: Once baked, allow your dump cake to cool for a bit before cutting into it. This will help the layers settle and make for easier serving.
How to Serve Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving this Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be just as fun as making it! Here are a few simple serving ideas:
- Chilled: For a refreshing treat on a warm day, allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. This will enhance the flavor and make each slice a delight.
- With Cream: Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. You could even sweeten the whipped cream with a little vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Ice Cream Indulgence: A scoop of vanilla or even strawberry ice cream can turn this dessert into a decadent experience. The contrast of warm cake with cold ice cream creates a delightful balance.
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves or additional sliced strawberries on top can add a lovely touch, elevating your presentation and flavor.
- Slice & Store: Cut into squares for easy serving, especially if you are serving at a gathering. Each slice should showcase the beautiful layers.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Oven
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) fresh strawberries hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese softened
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix dry mix only
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix strawberries, sugar, and vanilla until the berries are evenly coated. Let sit for about 5 minutes to release their juices.
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberries — do not mix.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Top with chopped pecans if desired for extra crunch.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry layer is bubbling.
- Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the layers set. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
How to Store Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To keep your dump cake fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within a day or two, you can keep it covered at room temperature. Just make sure it’s protected from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, or if you’re not finishing it within a couple of days, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will retain its freshness for about 4-5 days.
- Freezing: While I recommend eating it fresh, you can also freeze individual portions of this dump cake. Make sure it’s cool, then slice it and place in a freezer-safe container. It should last around 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.