When you’re craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is exactly what you need. Imagine the delicious combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry filling, and a buttery cake topping—this dessert is not only mouthwatering but also quick to prepare.
In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about making the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, from the simple ingredients to tips for achieving the ideal texture. Plus, we’ll explore variations and storage instructions, so you can enjoy this dessert for days to come!
Why We Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
There’s a lot to love about this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, and it’s not just because of how it tastes.
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up this dish. Simply layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and it’s ready to enjoy! It’s ideal for hectic days or spontaneous get-togethers.
- Cheesecake Flavor: If you’re a fan of cheesecake, this dump cake gives you that rich, creamy texture without the need for a complicated cheesecake recipe.
- Customizable: This recipe can be adapted to your preferences. You can use fresh strawberries, change the cake flavor, or even make it dairy-free if needed.
- Family Favorite: Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or a weekend treat, this cake has something for everyone, from kids to adults.
Now that you know why this recipe is a winner, let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to bring this dessert to life.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Yellow Cake Mix – This is the base of the dump cake. The dry cake mix provides structure and sweetness. While you can substitute it with other cake mixes, such as white or butter, yellow cake mix offers a classic flavor and texture that complements the cheesecake filling and strawberry topping perfectly.
Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and a rich, flavorful texture to the cake. I suggest using unsalted butter to better control the salt content in the recipe. If needed, you can substitute with salted butter, but make sure to reduce the salt in the rest of the recipe.
Strawberry Pie Filling (or Fresh Strawberries) – This provides the fruity base for the dump cake. Using canned strawberry pie filling gives a sweet, thick layer. If you prefer a fresher option, you can use sliced fresh strawberries mixed with sugar and cornstarch to create a homemade filling.
How to Make: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Making a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is simple and straightforward.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Pour the two cans of strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread the filling evenly over the bottom. The sweet and tangy strawberry flavor will form the base of your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, blend until smooth. If you want an extra creamy texture, mix in 1/2 cup sour cream. This step gives your cake the cheesecake-like filling that makes it so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry filling. Don’t make the cake mix according to the package directions; just use the dry mix as is. This will form a crumbly, slightly dense cake topping.
Step 5: Dot with Butter
Place slices of unsalted butter on top of the cake mix. The butter will melt into the cake as it bakes, creating a golden, crispy top layer.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Monitor the cake closely and test for doneness. The top should be golden brown and the strawberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can make it even better.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Use Fresh Strawberries for a Twist: If you have fresh strawberries, feel free to slice them up and use them in place of the canned pie filling. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and texture to the dessert.
- Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake Layer: When mixing the cream cheese and sugar for the cheesecake layer, it’s important to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause the filling to become too thin and may prevent it from setting properly during baking. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth for the perfect creamy texture.
- Test for Doneness: Every oven bakes differently, so be sure to check the cake by looking for a golden top and bubbling filling. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come out clean when it’s done.
- Add Extra Creaminess: If you love your cheesecake layer extra creamy, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the cheesecake mixture. The sour cream will make the filling even more luscious and decadent, giving the cake a richer texture. Just fold it in gently with the cream cheese and sugar for the ultimate indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although this recipe is quite simple, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Using the Wrong Cake Mix: Make sure to use a yellow cake mix. You don’t want to use any type of prepared cake mix or a mix that requires additional ingredients.
Forgetting to Grease the Pan: Greasing the pan properly ensures that your dump cake doesn’t stick. A small amount of butter will do the job, but don’t skip this step!
Overbaking the Cake: Keep an eye on the time and check the cake often toward the end of the baking time. Overbaking can result in a dry top.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how adaptable it is.
Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Instead of using only strawberry pie filling, try combining blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a more complex flavor.
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Add chocolate chips or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry cake mix for a chocolatey twist.
Vegan-Friendly Dump Cake: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can also use a dairy-free cake mix to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple touches:
Serve with Whipped Cream
A generous dollop of fresh whipped cream on top brings a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling and fruity topping. The coolness of the whipped cream balances the warm cake perfectly.
Add Ice Cream
Pairing your dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or strawberry sorbet is a match made in dessert heaven. The cold ice cream melts into the warm cake, creating a delightful combination of flavors and temperatures.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit
Top your dessert with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even a few mint leaves for a refreshing and colorful finish. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the richness of the cheesecake filling and adds a touch of freshness.
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Once you’ve made your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh. Here’s how to store it:
At Room Temperature
If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, you can keep it at room temperature. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days if stored in a cool, dry place.
In the Refrigerator
For longer storage, refrigerate the dump cake. After it cools, wrap it securely with plastic wrap or foil. It will remain fresh in the fridge for up to one week. The cake may even taste better as the flavors meld together over time.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Why is it called a dump cake?
The name “dump cake” comes from the way this dessert is made—you simply “dump” the ingredients into the baking dish, layer them, and bake. There’s no need for mixing or complicated steps, making it an incredibly easy dessert to prepare.
Can I use other fruit fillings?
Absolutely! You can swap the strawberry pie filling for any fruit you like—blueberry, cherry, or even peach are great options. Try out various flavors to discover your perfect combination.
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Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 21 oz. cans strawberry pie filling
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional for extra creaminess
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
- Pour the two cans of strawberry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry filling without preparing it as directed on the package.
Step 5: Dot with Butter
- Place slices of butter on top of the cake mix to create a crispy topping.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, checking for a golden top and bubbling filling.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or ice cream.