Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The rich flavors and the comforting aroma filled our kitchen, turning a regular evening into something special. My family, who can sometimes be picky eaters, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this is one I highly recommend trying.
Cooking is an art, but it’s also a way to connect with loved ones. Every dish tells a story, and this recipe is no different. As I was preparing it, I thought about how food brings us together—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, there’s always something magical about gathering around a table.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Want to try mixed berries instead of strawberries? Go for it! You can adjust the sweetness or even use a different cake mix for variety.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card.
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 can of strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. This step allows the cheesecake base to blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer the strawberry pie filling at the bottom of the prepared dish. Then, spoon the cheesecake mixture over the pie filling. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top, followed by the melted butter. The cake mix will form a crumbly topping as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is cooked through. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. The cheesecake mixture will be creamy underneath, and the cake will be lightly crispy on top.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into slices.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or eaten on its own, this dessert is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 320 (Approximate)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a fantastic complement to the warm, creamy dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream or a dollop of Cool Whip for extra sweetness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by preparing the cheesecake mixture and pie filling the night before. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Spice It Up: Try using a different fruit filling, like blueberry or cherry, for a new twist on the classic dump cake.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix. You can also substitute plant-based cream cheese and sour cream to make it dairy-free.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for the best results.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade dessert ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another flavor? A1: Absolutely! You can use white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile. It’ll change the taste but still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake mixture and strawberry filling the night before, and then assemble and bake the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish? A4: Yes! Freeze the assembled cake (before baking) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe? A6: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra volume. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? A7: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe? A8: While this is a dessert on its own, you could pair it with a light, citrusy salad or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier? A9: Use a sugar-free cake mix and low-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories. Adding fresh berries as a topping can also boost its nutritional value.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe? A10: A 9×13 inch baking dish works best for even cooking and serving.
Trust me, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. It’s as easy as it is delicious, and I promise it will bring a smile to everyone’s face!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the sweet flavors of ripe strawberries, a rich cheesecake layer, and a buttery cake topping, all in one easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for a crowd, this fuss-free treat is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Spread gently.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the cream cheese and strawberry layers.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring most of the surface is covered.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra touch.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, try using full-fat cream cheese.
- You can use any fruit pie filling you prefer, such as blueberry or peach, for a different flavor twist.
- This dessert is best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg