If you’re looking for a dreamy, no-fuss dessert that delivers all the nostalgia of a classic dump cake with a luscious twist, this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is for you! The juicy strawberry pie filling mingles beautifully with sweet, creamy cheesecake pockets, all tucked beneath a golden, buttery cake topping. You won’t believe how effortlessly the flavors come together—each bite is pure comfort, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something sweet on a weeknight, this dump cake recipe checks every box for ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. Every element serves a delicious purpose, from rich cream cheese for tang to buttery cake mix for that golden finish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The cake mix forms the deliciously sweet, golden-brown layer that’s so familiar and inviting.
- Strawberry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Sweet, jammy, and full of real fruit flavor—this brings all the summery berry vibes.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened and cubed): Adds that signature cheesecake tang and melty pockets of richness all through the cake.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Just enough to lightly sweeten the cheesecake mixture and balance out the tart berries.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps to smooth out the cream cheese, making sure every bite is velvety and rich.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): This gives you that crisp, irresistible top and helps moisten the cake mix to perfection.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of nonstick spray or a light slick of butter. This simple step is key—it guarantees easy serving later and ensures none of that delicious fruit filling sticks!
Step 2: Layer in the Strawberry Pie Filling
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepped baking dish. Don’t worry about being too precise—it’s all about getting that gorgeous berry layer as a sweet, jammy base for everything else.
Step 3: Make and Add the Cheesecake Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and milk until mostly smooth. Tiny lumps are absolutely fine; in fact, they’ll melt into creamy cheesecake surprises once baked. Dollop spoonfuls of your cheesecake mixture evenly all over the strawberry layer.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Grab your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the cream cheese and strawberries. Don’t stir—just make sure to cover everything so the cake bakes up with that golden, slightly crumbly finish dump cakes are famous for.
Step 5: Drizzle on the Butter
Now, take your melted unsalted butter and drizzle it slowly and evenly over the dry cake mix. The buttery magic is what transforms the top into golden, crunchy perfection. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as you can—any dry patches will still bake up tasty, but the more butter, the more deliciously crisp your topping becomes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbly and golden brown and your kitchen smells like pure strawberry happiness. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before you dig in—this gives the creamy cheesecake filling a chance to set up just right.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Garnishes
One of the joys of Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how a simple garnish can add flair and flavor. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream turns each serving into a melty delight, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds airy lightness. For extra color, sprinkle over fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a handful of crunchy graham cracker crumbs.
Side Dishes
This dump cake is sweet and decadent, so pair it with simple sides to balance the richness. Try pairing with a refreshing fruit salad, a cup of coffee, or for a special brunch, some crisp bacon and scrambled eggs. It’s also wonderful on its own for dessert—no heavy extras required.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake the star of your dessert table by serving it in individual ramekins or mason jars for a fun, portable treat. For parties, cut the dump cake into neat squares and layer with whipped cream in parfait glasses. You can even pack slices to-go for picnics or potlucks—the rustic, bubbly top makes it look gorgeous no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where the cake will keep fresh and tasty for up to four days. The creamy cheesecake layer stays lovely and soft, while the topping might soften just a touch.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! Let the cake cool completely, then tightly wrap the whole dish or any individual slices in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re craving a taste, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
There’s nothing like enjoying this dump cake warm! For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30–40 seconds. To reheat a larger portion, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until hot. The filling will soften and the flavors will bloom all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh strawberries, simply slice them and toss with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a quick homemade filling. It will give your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a bright, naturally sweet flavor and beautiful color.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
Yellow cake mix adds buttery sweetness, but you can easily swap in white cake mix or even a French vanilla mix if you prefer. The flavor will remain delicious, just with a slightly different vanilla note.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! Salted butter works fine, just be aware it will add a touch of saltiness to the cake’s top. If you love the sweet-salty combo, you might even find it adds a whole new dimension to the dessert.
Can I make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble it a few hours early, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Or, fully bake it and store in the fridge—simply reheat before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dessert is totally vegetarian-friendly! All the classic ingredients—cream cheese, butter, and cake mix—are vegetarian, making it a great choice for gatherings with dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, I hope you give this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a try. It’s the kind of simple, irresistible treat that brings everyone back for seconds (or thirds). Happy baking and even happier sharing—this is one for the family recipe box!
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Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of strawberries, cream cheese, and cake with this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
Strawberry Layer:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese, sugar, and milk until mostly smooth. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, covering all the filling.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- You can also use fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch in place of pie filling if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
