Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – The Easiest Fruity Dessert

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a deliciously easy dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries. It’s called a “dump cake” because you literally “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. With minimal prep, you’ll have a decadent dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert for a family dinner, or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

This easy dessert uses just a few ingredients but delivers a rich, comforting flavor.

For the Cake:

• Cream Cheese: Adds the cheesecake flavor and creamy texture that makes this dump cake stand out.

• Strawberry Pie Filling: A sweet and fruity layer that pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake and buttery topping.

• Vanilla Cake Mix: A simple, store-bought cake mix that creates a golden, slightly crispy topping.

• Butter: Used to help form the golden, crispy top and add richness to the cake.

Optional:

• Fresh Strawberries: Add fresh strawberries to enhance the flavor and texture of the pie filling. You can mix them into the filling or use them as a garnish.

• Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top for added sweetness and decoration (optional).

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Making this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is super simple and quick. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, soften 8 oz cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds until soft and easy to mix. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth.

Add 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Strawberry Filling

Next, pour 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling (or homemade strawberry sauce) evenly over the cream cheese layer. You can also add fresh chopped strawberries to the pie filling for an extra fresh fruit flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle 1 box of vanilla cake mix evenly over the strawberry filling. Be sure to cover the entire surface with the cake mix—no need to stir. It will naturally form a crispy topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Cut 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter into thin slices and evenly distribute it on top of the cake mix. This helps create that golden, crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. You might see some of the cake mix rising and forming a crunchy, cake-like topping.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It will be hot and bubbly, so be careful when serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra fresh strawberries for a decorative touch.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

• Let It Cool: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop out.

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: If you forget to soften your cream cheese, you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds or leave it at room temperature for a few minutes.

• Layering: If you want to create more layers, you can add a layer of crushed graham crackers between the cream cheese and pie filling to give it a more traditional cheesecake feel.

Variations:

• Different Fruit Fillings: Swap the strawberry pie filling for blueberry, peach, or cherry pie filling for different fruity flavors.

• Cheesecake Flavors: Mix some lemon zest or a bit of almond extract into the cream cheese layer to add extra flavor to the cheesecake base.

• Toppings: After baking, top the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free cake mix to make this dessert dairy-free.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free. Just ensure that the pie filling is also gluten-free.

• Sugar-Free: You can use sugar-free cake mix and pie filling for a lighter version, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

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Serving Ideas & When to Make It

When to Serve:

• Weeknight Dessert: This is an easy and quick dessert for any night of the week.

• Potlucks: Perfect for bringing to a party, barbecue, or family gathering.

• Special Occasions: Serve it at birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries for a simple yet delicious treat.

What to Serve With It:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream complements the richness of the cheesecake layer.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect for pairing with the warm, fruity cake.

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 300–350 per serving (depends on portion size)

• Fat: 18–20g (from butter, cream cheese, and cake mix)

• Carbs: 40–45g (mostly from the sugar and cake mix)

• Protein: 2–3g (from cream cheese and cake mix)

• Fiber: 2–3g (from strawberries)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead. After baking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

2. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave.

3. What if I don’t have strawberry pie filling?

If you don’t have pie filling, you can make your own using fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened and then use it as the filling for the cake.

4. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! You can use a chocolate cake mix, yellow cake mix, or even a spice cake mix to create different flavors. Each variation will offer a unique twist on the strawberry cheesecake cake.

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