Strawberry cheesecake dump cake is one of the easiest and most delicious desserts you’ll ever make. It’s the perfect combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake, all baked together to golden perfection. This simple dessert is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight treat. You don’t need any fancy baking skills – just dump the ingredients and bake! Looking for other easy dessert options? Check out this pie crust cinnamon rolls recipe.
Why this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is Special
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe is truly special because it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can whip this up in no time. Plus, the blend of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious strawberry cheesecake dump cake. I’ve included some notes on substitutions too, just in case you need to swap something out!
For the Strawberry Layer
- 2 (15-ounce) cans strawberry pie filling: This is the base of your fruity filling. You can also use fresh or frozen strawberries, but you’ll need about 4 cups and might want to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken it.
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This creates that creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind the cheesecake mixture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer. You can adjust this to your liking.
For the Cake Layer
- 1 package (15.25 ounce) vanilla or white cake mix: A box of standard cake mix keeps things simple. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to bake with a cake mix, take a look at this article on using an oval baking pan. Yellow cake mix works well too!
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, cold: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly topping. Cut it into small pieces before sprinkling it over the cake mix.
Optional Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, whole or halved: These add a fresh touch and pop of color when serving. Whipped cream is another great addition!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Get ready to make the easiest dessert ever! These simple steps will guide you to dump cake perfection.
Preparing the Strawberries
If using canned pie filling, open and set aside. Fresh strawberries? Hull and slice. Frozen? Thaw and drain. Fresh or frozen berries benefit from ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken the juices.
Making the Cheesecake Layer
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the egg, then gradually add the sugar until light and creamy. This cheesecake layer adds richness to the dump cake. For a fun twist, consider making individual lemon meringue tarts.
Assembling the Dump Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the strawberry filling evenly in the dish. Gently spoon the cheesecake mixture over the strawberries. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake, then dot with cold butter.
Baking the Dump Cake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your strawberry cheesecake dump cake and make it your own! This dessert pairs well with a refreshing beverage like a kefir smoothie.
Using Different Fruits
While strawberries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and even apple pie filling all make delicious dump cakes. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, especially if using tart fruits like cherries. My kids love it with blueberries! For more information on the health benefits of berries, check out this article on berries and their benefits.
Adding Toppings
A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to warm strawberry cheesecake dump cake. You can also add whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of your favorite fruit preserves. A little goes a long way!
Making it Gluten-Free
To make a gluten-free version of this dump cake, simply substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free vanilla or yellow cake mix. Be sure to check the ingredients of the other components as well, just to be safe. You can also make your own crumble topping using gluten-free flour, oats, and butter. Looking for other gluten-free options? This gluten-free, dairy-free breakfast ideas post might give you some inspiration. My niece has a gluten allergy, so I’ve made this version many times – she loves it! For tips on maintaining a gluten-free diet, you can refer to this comprehensive guide on gluten-free diets from Healthline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making strawberry cheesecake dump cake.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The biggest mistake is overmixing. Dump cakes are meant to be easy, so resist the urge to stir everything together. Just layer the ingredients as instructed. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
What ingredients do you need for strawberry cheesecake?
A traditional strawberry cheesecake requires cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, and strawberries. Our dump cake version simplifies this by using a cake mix for the crust and canned pie filling, making it much quicker to assemble.
What’s the difference between a dump cake and a cobbler?
A dump cake uses a dry cake mix for the topping, while a cobbler typically has a more biscuit-like or streusel topping made from scratch. Cobblers often involve mixing some of the topping ingredients with the fruit filling, whereas a dump cake keeps the layers distinct.
Does strawberry cheesecake dump cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, you should refrigerate any leftover strawberry cheesecake dump cake. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served slightly warm, so you can reheat individual portions in the microwave if desired. If you enjoy cheesecake-based desserts, you might also like this loaf pan Basque cheesecake recipe.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Here’s how to best serve and store your delicious creation!
Serving Suggestions
This dump cake is fantastic served warm, right out of the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra indulgence. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of fresh berries. It’s equally delicious at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Storage Advice
Store any leftover strawberry cheesecake dump cake in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat. Just be careful not to overheat it, as the cheesecake layer can become a little runny.
Conclusion
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a true comfort food dessert – easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake. It’s sure to become a new family favorite! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out and what variations you try. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans strawberry pie filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package 15.25 ounce vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup 1 stick salted butter, cold
- Fresh strawberries optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If using fresh or frozen strawberries, prepare them as directed in the article.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the egg, then gradually add sugar until light and creamy.
- Spread strawberry filling evenly in the baking dish.
- Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Dot with cold butter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.