Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This strawberry cheesecake dump cake combines the tangy sweetness of strawberries with creamy cheesecake and buttery cake mix for an effortless yet impressive dessert. My family requests this whenever we have guests over, and the empty dish always comes back with requests for the recipe.

I first made this dessert when I needed something quick for unexpected dinner guests. The combination of textures and flavors was such a hit that it became my signature potluck contribution.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: Brings structure and buttery sweetness; choose a quality brand for best results
• Strawberry pie filling: Offers convenience and intense strawberry flavor; look for one with whole berries
• Cream cheese: Creates the cheesecake layer; allow it to fully soften for the smoothest texture
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer; regular white sugar works perfectly here
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the golden crust; use good quality for best flavor
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors; pure extract makes a noticeable difference
• Fresh strawberries (optional): Add bright color and fresh flavor when in season
• Whipped cream (optional for serving): Adds a light creamy element

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, making sure to get into the corners to prevent sticking.

Create the Strawberry Base:

Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling across the bottom of your prepared dish, ensuring an even layer that reaches all edges; this forms the fruity foundation of your dessert.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes with an electric mixer or 4 minutes by hand; this step is crucial for avoiding lumps in your cheesecake layer.

Add the Creamy Layer:

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling, then gently spread without disturbing the strawberry layer too much; small gaps are fine as the layers will meld during baking.

Create the Cake Topping:

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge for the signature dump cake texture.

Finish with Butter:

Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible; this helps create the golden buttery crust that makes dump cakes irresistible.

Bake to Perfection:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and the edges are bubbling; the center should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the cream cheese layer gets slightly caramelized where it meets the cake mix. The first time I made this for my daughter's birthday everyone was scraping the pan for those delicious bits.

Serving Suggestions

This dump cake is wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the warm cake. For a more elegant presentation, cool completely and top with fresh sliced strawberries and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. I like to dust a little powdered sugar over the top for special occasions which makes it look much fancier than the effort required.

Storage Tips

This dump cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The texture becomes more like a traditional cheesecake when chilled which many of my family members actually prefer. You can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds if you prefer it warm.

Seasonal Variations

During peak strawberry season, try substituting homemade strawberry sauce for the canned pie filling. Simply cook down 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until thickened. In winter months, this recipe works beautifully with other pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for a seasonal twist. The basic formula stays the same but offers endless possibilities.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert actually benefits from being made several hours before serving as the flavors meld and develop. If making a day ahead, wait to add any fresh fruit or whipped cream toppings until just before serving. You can also prepare all the components separately and assemble just before baking if you want to prep ahead for a dinner party.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or any other favorite flavor to match your preference.

→ Do I need to soften the cream cheese?

Yes, softened cream cheese ensures a smooth and even mixture for easier layering and better texture.

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but consider reducing the added sugar slightly to balance the flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or enjoy chilled.

→ Can I add toppings like nuts or whipped cream?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, whipped cream, or fresh fruits make great toppings for added texture and flavor.