Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: A Blissful Dessert
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert mash-up you never knew you needed. Imagine the sweet, tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake combined with the effortless charm of a dump cake—all in one irresistible dish! Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a last-minute dessert for a party, or just treating yourself, this recipe is perfect for every occasion. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and cake mix, you’ll create a luscious dessert that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Let’s dive in and bring this delicious treat to life!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary gem that’s sure to win your heart. Here’s why:
- Effortless Preparation: No need for fancy equipment or expert skills! With its simple “dump and bake” method, this cake is as easy as it gets.
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The blend of juicy strawberries, tangy cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping creates a heavenly fusion of sweet and creamy flavors in every bite.
- Versatile Ingredients: Whether you have fresh strawberries from the farmers’ market or a frozen stash in your freezer, this recipe is flexible enough to work with what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is equally fitting for casual family dinners, potlucks, or celebrations. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will be raving about!
- Customizable Toppings: Enhance this dessert with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To create the most luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, gather these simple and flavorful ingredients. They come together beautifully to deliver a dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 (21 oz) can of strawberry pie filling – The star ingredient, adding a burst of fruity sweetness.
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened – For that rich, tangy cheesecake flavor that balances the strawberries perfectly.
- 1 box of yellow cake mix – A time-saving shortcut that forms a buttery, golden crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a moist and decadent topping.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Fresh strawberries (sliced) – For a touch of freshness and an added visual appeal.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – Perfect for serving, adding a creamy and cool contrast.
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or almonds) – Sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Creating this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is delightfully simple! Follow these easy steps to achieve the perfect dessert:
- Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. - Prepare Your Baking Dish
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of butter or a nonstick spray for easy release. This helps avoid sticking and simplifies the cleanup process. - Layer the Strawberry Filling
Evenly spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the dish. Use a spatula to ensure it’s distributed in a single layer. - Add the Cheesecake Layer
Slice the softened cream cheese into small cubes or dollops and place them evenly over the strawberry filling. Gently press the cream cheese pieces into the filling for even coverage. - Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Avoid stirring — this is a dump cake, after all! - Drizzle the Butter
Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. This helps create a golden, crumbly topping. - Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. - Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out servings.
Pro Tips and Variations to Try
Pro Tips:
Want to make sure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly? Here are a few pro tips to guarantee that every bite is as delicious as the last:
- Layer Your Ingredients Evenly: Evenly spread the cake mix over the strawberry and cheesecake layers to ensure your cake bakes uniformly. This will result in a consistent texture throughout the cake.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, opt for full-fat cream cheese. This creates a decadent texture and flavor that complements the sweet strawberries.
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Mix: When layering your cake mix, just sprinkle it over the other ingredients without mixing it in. Overmixing could result in a dense, heavy cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.
- Check the Bake Time: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cake at the 35-minute mark. Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, but be careful not to overbake.
Variations to Try:
- Mix Up the Fruit: While strawberries are the star, feel free to swap them out for other berries. Blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of fresh or frozen berries make a delightful alternative. For a tropical flavor, fresh pineapple chunks are also a great choice.
- Add Crunch with Nuts: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of the cake mix before baking. You could even add a touch of brown sugar and butter to create a crumby streusel topping.
- Boost the Flavor with Extracts: Infuse the cheesecake filling with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, sweet aroma. Or, if you’re craving a nutty flavor, swap the vanilla for a dash of almond extract.
- Add a Zing with Lemon: A small amount of lemon zest adds a refreshing tang to balance the sweetness of the cake, giving each bite a bright, citrusy finish.
- Make It Lighter: For a healthier version, swap out regular cake mix for a sugar-free cake mix, and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. This way, you get a lighter, protein-packed twist on the classic.
Serving Suggestions and storing
Serving Ideas:
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: The best way to enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is warm! The cake is soft and gooey, and when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgence, top your serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a light, fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich cheesecake flavor.
- Add Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only enhance the flavor but also make the dessert look even more enticing. This is a great way to freshen up the dessert if you’re serving it after a few days.
- Serve with a Drizzle: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle a little strawberry syrup or chocolate sauce over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely visual appeal.
How to Store Dump Cake:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, or if you want to make this dessert in advance, here’s how to store it:
- Room Temperature: You can store leftover cake at room temperature for 1-2 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: To store your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a few extra days, simply place it in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out, and it will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Want to make it ahead of time? You can freeze your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump cake for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or place the whole cake in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. This ensures that the cake stays moist and the filling gets creamy again.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet treat. With its creamy cheesecake base and sweet, fruity strawberry topping, it’s a dessert that never fails to satisfy. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! This dump cake is a great way to enjoy a homemade dessert without the fuss. So, go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice of this delightful, no-stress dessert. You’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 21 oz can strawberry pie filling
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries sliced
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Chopped nuts e.g., pecans or almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer blueberries, cake mix, and butter in the dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
Yes! You can swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a delicious twist. Just ensure they are evenly spread for consistent flavor.
2. Do I need to refrigerate the cake after baking?
Since this recipe includes a cheesecake layer, storing it in the refrigerator is best. Keep it covered, and enjoy within three days for the freshest taste.
3. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
Of course! A simple mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt can replace a boxed cake mix for a more homemade touch.
4. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
5.Is it possible to prepare this cake in advance?
Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before serving if you prefer a gooey texture.