Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the dessert equivalent of magic — minimal effort, maximum flavor. With layers of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and buttery cake topping, this dish delivers the richness of cheesecake and the nostalgia of a dump cake. The name comes from the easy process: you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the heat do the rest. It’s perfect for busy days, potlucks, or any time you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients

Base Layer:

  • 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) strawberry pie filling
  • 1 package (8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Layer:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow or white cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
    • In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble the Layers
    • Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
    • Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
    • Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
    • Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.
  4. Bake
    • Place in preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  5. Cool and Serve
    • Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
    • Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired.

Methods (Variations & Tips)

  • Berry Mix: Use a combination of strawberry and raspberry pie fillings.
  • Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding cake mix.
  • Citrus Kick: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for brightness.
  • Crunchy Topping: Add chopped pecans or almonds on top of the cake mix before baking.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the cake up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

History

The dump cake became popular in the mid-20th century as a quick and easy dessert, especially during the rise of boxed cake mixes in the 1960s. Cheesecake, on the other hand, has origins tracing back to ancient Greece. Combining the two into a strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a modern evolution of classic comfort desserts, blending the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the simplicity of the dump cake method.

Benefits

  • Effortless preparation — perfect for beginners.
  • Customizable — adapt with different fruits and flavors.
  • Crowd-pleaser — appeals to both cheesecake and cake lovers.
  • Budget-friendly — uses affordable, readily available ingredients.
  • Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining.

Formation (How It Works)

  • Strawberry Layer: Juicy base that keeps the cake moist.
  • Cheesecake Layer: Adds creaminess and tang to balance sweetness.
  • Dry Cake Mix + Butter: Creates a crisp, golden topping as it bakes.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that amazing desserts don’t have to be complicated. It’s rich, creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet — an instant crowd favorite. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled for a denser texture, it’s a dessert worth making again and again.

For the Dessert Lovers

This is the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at gatherings — the one people sneak “just one more spoonful” of before it’s gone. If you love strawberries, cheesecake, or the magic of simple baking, this recipe will have a permanent spot in your sweet-tooth rotation.

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