Irresistibly Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a decadent dessert that’s incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to please a crowd, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake might just be your new go-to recipe. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, summer cookout, or a casual get-together, this dessert hits the sweet spot between comfort food and showstopper presentation.

Perfect for those looking for desserts for a big crowd, this simple yet indulgent cake combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries—all layered in a no-fuss format. And because it’s made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s ideal when you’re short on time or energy but still want to impress.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this easy dessert recipe with few ingredients and how to elevate it with tips, storage ideas, and creative variations.

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What Is a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

A dump cake is a classic American dessert that involves “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish—no mixing or beating required. In this version, strawberry pie filling and cream cheese are layered with cake mix and butter to form a luscious, bubbly, golden-topped dessert that resembles a cross between a fruit cobbler and a cheesecake.

This particular combination creates a rich, creamy, and fruity dessert that looks impressive without demanding much effort. While traditional dump cakes usually rely on fruit fillings and boxed cake mixes, the addition of cream cheese adds a cheesecake-like richness, elevating this to a whole new level. It’s easy to understand why cheesecake dump cake recipes are trending in 2023—they’re satisfying, simple, and oh-so-shareable.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) of strawberry pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) of white or yellow cake mix
• 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats

With just four ingredients, this recipe couldn’t be simpler. You can easily double the recipe to serve larger groups, making it a perfect choice when you’re in need of desserts for a big crowd.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your dessert bakes evenly and achieves that signature golden crust on top.

2. Layer the Strawberry Filling

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Then, pour in the strawberry pie filling and spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.

3. Add the Cream Cheese

Dot the top of the strawberry filling with the cubed cream cheese. Try to space them out evenly so every slice gets a creamy bite.

4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Open the dry cake mix and sprinkle it directly over the cream cheese and fruit. Do not mix it in; simply ensure that the mix covers the surface entirely.

5. Add the Butter

Place the butter slices evenly over the top of the cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter will melt down into the dry mix, creating a rich, tender top layer.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

7. Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or cold depending on your preference.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Mixing spoon or spatula (for spreading layers)
• Knife (for slicing butter and cream cheese)
• Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing)

Having these ready before you begin helps streamline the process even further.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

For an absolutely perfect dump cake, consider these expert tips:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts evenly.
• Distribute butter slices evenly across the top to prevent dry spots in the cake mix.
• Try a parchment paper liner if you want easy cleanup and neat slices.
• Don’t overbake—once the top is golden and edges are bubbly, it’s ready.
• Chill before serving for a firmer texture that’s more cheesecake-like.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Dump Cake

Avoiding these pitfalls can make all the difference in your finished dish:

• Using cold cream cheese results in lumpy pockets that don’t melt evenly.
• Forgetting to cover all areas with butter can lead to dry, powdery patches in the cake.
• Stirring the ingredients—dump cakes are not meant to be mixed.
• Undercooking or overcooking—keep an eye on the baking time and adjust based on your oven.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

While this dessert is delicious on its own, presentation can elevate it to something even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to serve:

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
• Serve in small glass dessert cups for an elegant party presentation.
• Add a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for extra indulgence.

This recipe also makes an excellent easy app to bring to a party, especially when baked in a disposable pan for convenience.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Leftovers (if you have any!) are easy to manage:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Refrigerated leftovers can be served cold like cheesecake or warmed slightly for a gooey, just-baked experience.

Fun Variations: Turn This into a Key Lime Dump Cake or Holiday Favorite

Want to try a new twist? You can easily adapt this recipe with a few ingredient swaps:

• Key Lime Dump Cake: Replace strawberry pie filling with key lime pie filling and use graham cracker crumbs in place of some cake mix.
• Christmas Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling and crushed candy canes for a festive holiday flair.
• Berry Medley: Mix strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a summer variation.
• Chocolate Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix for a richer, more decadent version.

The flexibility of dump cakes makes them perfect for any season or celebration.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Although this dessert can easily stand on its own, pairing it with other foods can make your menu shine:

• Serve after a light dinner, like grilled chicken and salad.
• Pair with fresh fruit platters for a refreshing contrast.
• Offer alongside coffee or iced tea to complete a brunch spread.

Again, avoid heavy meals before this dessert to let the fruity richness shine.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake FAQ

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While possible, fresh strawberries don’t provide the same thick consistency or sweetness as canned pie filling. You’d need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat just before serving.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely. Yellow, white, vanilla, or even strawberry cake mix will all work well here.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute can be used, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Is it supposed to be gooey in the middle?
Yes, that gooey center is part of the charm—it’s the cheesecake and fruit mingling together!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe is more than just another dessert—it’s a foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and highly adaptable treat that requires almost no effort to make. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a school event, or a simple family dinner, this dessert brings smiles with every spoonful. Thanks to its minimal ingredients and versatility, it’s a standout in the world of easy simple desserts.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more delicious and easy-to-follow ideas. There’s always room for dessert—especially when it’s this easy and this good.

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