Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

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If you’re looking for an easy dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect choice. This irresistible recipe combines sweet strawberry pie filling, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, buttery cake mix, and a golden, crisp topping. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the ideal dessert for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert everyone will rave about.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Dessert
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Fruit Layer

  • 2 (21-ounce) cans strawberry pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cheesecake Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Layer

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh sliced strawberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • White chocolate shavings
  • Fresh mint leaves

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

If desired, stir the vanilla extract into the pie filling before spreading it out.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together:

  • Softened cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the strawberry filling.

There’s no need to spread it perfectly—it will bake beautifully into the cake.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake and strawberry layers.

Do not stir the layers together.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.

For the most even topping, drizzle in thin streams across the entire pan.

A few dry spots are perfectly normal and will become crisp during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:

  • The top is golden brown.
  • The strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • The cheesecake layer is set.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh strawberries.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 410
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 320mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake layer.
  • Drizzle the butter evenly to avoid large patches of dry cake mix.
  • Avoid stirring the layers—dump cakes are designed to bake in distinct layers.
  • Let the dessert cool slightly before serving so the cheesecake layer can set properly.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for an even creamier texture the next day.

Flavor Variations

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Replace one can of strawberry pie filling with blueberry or cherry pie filling.

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate twist.

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture and use a lemon cake mix.

Graham Cracker Version

Sprinkle ½ cup crushed graham crackers over the cheesecake layer before adding the cake mix for extra cheesecake flavor.

White Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake

Mix ½ cup white chocolate chips into the strawberry filling before baking.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Oven

Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave

Heat individual servings for 30–45 seconds.

What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert is delicious with:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Strawberry sauce
  • White chocolate drizzle
  • Hot coffee
  • Iced coffee
  • Sweet tea
  • Sparkling lemonade

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes. Combine about 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries with ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes before using it as the fruit layer.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely. White, butter, strawberry, lemon, and even chocolate cake mixes all work well with this recipe.

Why are there dry patches on top?

A few dry spots are normal. For a more even topping, drizzle the butter carefully over the entire surface or gently spray any dry areas with cooking spray before baking.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and either enjoy it chilled or reheat it gently before serving.

Can I add nuts?

Certainly. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds make a delicious crunchy topping.

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