Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to whip up, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightful treat layers creamy cheesecake, luscious strawberry pie filling, and a golden vanilla cake topping that bakes up perfectly with almost no effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of classic cheesecake and fresh fruit flavors—without the fuss of a traditional cheesecake recipe. Trust me, once you try this Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, it will become your go-to for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want a homemade dessert that looks and tastes like a masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward creating your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake masterpiece. Each one plays a special role—from the tangy richness of cream cheese to the sweet burst of strawberry filling and the crunchy, buttery cake topping. Let’s take a look!

• Vanilla cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): This creates the soft, fluffy topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds that signature creamy, tangy cheesecake layer that’s irresistibly smooth.
• Sour cream (½ cup): Gives the cheesecake layer a luscious texture and subtle tanginess.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer perfectly without overpowering the strawberries.
• Strawberry pie filling (21-ounce can): Brings natural fruity sweetness and juicy bursts of strawberry flavor.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Pours over the dry cake mix to create that golden, buttery crust.
• Milk (¼ cup): Adds moisture to the topping, helping it bake up tender and delicious.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma and depth.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This simple prep ensures your cake won’t stick and is ready for the layering magic ahead.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and granulated sugar using a mixer until smooth and creamy. This dreamy layer will sit at the bottom and is the heart of the cheesecake flavor in this dump cake.

Step 3: Spread the Cheesecake Mixture

Evenly spread your luscious cream cheese mixture across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Make sure it’s smooth and covers every corner to set the foundation for your dessert.

Step 4: Add the Strawberry Pie Filling

Next, spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out so every bite will have sweet, juicy strawberries that balance perfectly with the tangy cream cheese.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Without stirring, sprinkle the entire box of dry vanilla cake mix evenly over the strawberry layer. Resist the urge to mix; this will help the crunchy topping form beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Pour the Butter, Milk, and Vanilla

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, then follow with the milk and vanilla extract. This step is what transforms the dry cake mix into a rich, golden crust as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color on top and bubbly filling peeking through. The aroma while baking will make it impossible to wait!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to cool for several minutes before serving. Whether you prefer it warm straight from the oven or chilled for a firmer texture, it’s going to taste incredible either way.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your dump cake into a delightful dessert experience. Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess, or a handful of fresh sliced strawberries to brighten the presentation and add fresh berry notes.

Side Dishes

This dump cake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of cold milk to balance the richness. A light mint leaf adds a hint of freshness that complements the strawberry cheesecake flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins topped with fresh berries and a sprig of mint. Alternatively, layer a serving in clear glass jars to show off the beautiful layers of cheesecake, fruit, and cake topping, making it as lovely as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several sittings or prepping ahead for gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the cake or individual slices tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen dump cake stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture upon reheating.

Reheating

For a cozy dessert any day, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Either way, the cake tastes just as heavenly warm as it does cold.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the consistency of pie filling. Otherwise, the filling might be too runny and affect the cake’s texture.

Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?

While a boxed mix makes this dump cake super easy and consistent, you can use homemade vanilla cake batter if you prefer. Just sprinkle it dry or slightly dry over the filling to achieve a similar crumbly topping.

Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free version and confirm that the pie filling is gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can try swapping the cream cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free cake mix with dairy-free butter or margarine. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might slightly differ, but it’s still a tasty option.

What is the best way to keep the topping crispy?

To keep the topping crispy, serve the cake soon after it cools and avoid covering it while it is still warm. If refrigerated, the topping will soften but reheating it briefly in the oven can help bring back some crispness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully comforting about an Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s part foolproof, part nostalgia, and all delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a quick dessert hack, this recipe delivers joy in every bite. So grab those simple ingredients and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy strawberries and cheesecake combined into one irresistible dish.

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