Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that’s both effortless and indulgent. With layers of creamy cheesecake slices, juicy strawberry pie filling, and a crunchy cake‑mix topping, it delivers all the satisfaction of a classic cheesecake without the fuss of making one from scratch. Whether you’re putting something together for a casual gathering or just craving something sweet after dinner, this dessert brings flavor, ease, and joy to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it blends the best of both worlds: the silky richness of cheesecake and the cozy comfort of a dump cake. The “dump” part means you don’t have to fuss with mixing batters, whipping cream, or beating eggs — you simply layer and bake. It’s perfect for busy evenings or when you want dessert without the stress. The strawberry filling gives bright fruity flavor, the vanilla cake mix topping provides sweet crunch, and the cream‑cheese layer adds a luxurious touch. It’s fun, fast, and a crowd‑pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 oz) box vanilla or French vanilla cake mix
• 1 stick (≈ 113 g) butter, melted
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
• 2 (21 oz) cans strawberry pie filling
• Non‑stick cooking spray for the baking dish

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C).
2. Spray a 9 × 13 inch baking dish with non‑stick cooking spray.
3. In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Add the cake mix and stir with a fork until it’s well combined and has a crumbly texture. Set aside.
4. Pour the two cans of strawberry pie filling into the greased 9 × 13 baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
5. Unwrap the cream cheese and cut it into thin slices. Lay each thin slice evenly over the strawberry filling.
6. Sprinkle the crumbly cake‑mix topping evenly over the cream cheese and filling layer.
7. Pour or drizzle any remaining melted butter over the cake‑mix topping (if the recipe calls for that step).
8. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the strawberry filling is bubbling and the top is lightly golden brown.
9. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure to not over‑mix the cake mix and butter when making the topping: you want a crumbly texture, not a smooth batter. This helps achieve the correct topping texture described in classic “dump cake” recipes.
• Use a 9 × 13 dish so the layers bake evenly. If your dish is smaller, the dessert will be thicker and might need more bake time.
• When using cream cheese slices, make sure they are distributed evenly so you get creamy pockets throughout each bite.
• Using salted butter (unless you’re watching sodium) can enhance the sweet‑flavor contrast, as salt strengthens sweetness.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so that the bubbling fruit doesn’t run off and it sets slightly.

Substitutions And Variations

• Cake mix flavor: While vanilla or French vanilla is recommended (so the topping stays light in color), you can substitute a chocolate cake mix for a richer, darker topping if you like chocolate with strawberries.
• Fruit filling: You don’t have to stick with strawberry. Cherry, blueberry, peach (or combinations) work beautifully.
• Fresh or frozen fruit: Instead of canned pie filling, you could use fresh/frozen fruit plus a little sugar and cornstarch — though this turns it into more of a “custom” dump cake rather than the simple canned‑filling version.
• Toppings: After baking, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 325 °F oven for about 10–15 minutes. The top may lose a bit of its initial crispness, so for best texture serve within the first day or two.

Nutritional Information

Approximately per serving (based on the provided values):

• Calories: 474 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 22 g (Saturated Fat ~13 g)
• Cholesterol: ~56 mg
• Sodium: ~542 mg
• Sugar: ~38 g
  Bear in mind: these are estimates and will vary depending on exact brands and portions used.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top — the cold ice cream against the warm dessert is divine.
• A dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries or mint leaves for garnish adds freshness and color.
• Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the richness.
• It also works nicely as a casual potluck dessert — bake it ahead of time and bring it warm or reheat on site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Q: Why is it called a “dump cake”?
A: The term “dump cake” refers to the ultra‑simple method: you “dump” the ingredients (fruit filling, cake mix topping, butter) into a pan in layers without elaborate mixing. The concept is that minimal prep yields maximum comfort.
Q: Can I use a homemade cake topping instead of box mix?
A: Yes — some versions of dump cake use a homemade dry‑mix topping instead of boxed cake mix. However, a boxed mix keeps it very simple and consistent.
Q: Why shouldn’t I mix the layers together?
A: Mixing would disturb the layering structure that helps create the right texture — the fruit layer bubbles up, the cake mix stays on top and gets crisp and golden. When you mix, you risk ending up with a cake that is more soggy or uneven.
Q: Can I make this gluten‑free or dairy‑free?
A: You can try: use a gluten‑free cake mix and a dairy‑free cream cheese substitute, and ensure your canned pie filling is compliant. The texture will vary slightly but you can still get a delicious result.
Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?
A: Using a 9 × 13 dish, you can expect about 12 servings (or more if you go for smaller portions).
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — you could prepare up to the baking step, cover, refrigerate, then bake when ready. However, for best texture, serve soon after baking so the topping remains crisp.

Conclusion

Thank you for visiting and giving this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake your attention! I hope you find it as effortless and delicious as I do. The way the creamy cheesecake layer melds with sweet strawberry filling and the golden cake topping always brings smiles around my table. It’s a dessert that doesn’t require hours of effort, yet delivers all the flavor and warmth of a classic treat. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this dish, and that it becomes a favorite in your dessert rotation. Wishing you joyful baking, happy gatherings, and delightful bites from my kitchen to yours!

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