Ever had one of those days when you’re craving something sweet and impressive but don’t have the energy for a baking marathon? Girl, I’ve been there! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your new best friend for those moments. It’s ridiculously easy, unbelievably delicious, and best of all requires minimal effort while delivering maximum wow-factor.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This dessert is a game-changer for busy women juggling work, family, and everything in between. The beauty lies in its simplicity just layer, bake, and enjoy! The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and buttery cake creates a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (when we know you were actually catching up on your favorite show while it baked).
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Let’s Make Magic Happen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps they’ll melt into delicious pockets of cheesecake goodness!
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling. No need to spread it perfectly this is a dump cake, not a precision art project!
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 20 minutes before topping with fresh strawberry slices.
Kitchen Wisdom from Amelia
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is its versatility. Need a quick dessert for unexpected guests? This is your answer. Looking for something to bring to a potluck that won’t have you stressing in the kitchen? You’ve found it! As I always tell my nutrition clients, balance is key and sometimes that means enjoying a slice of something sweet without the guilt of spending hours in the kitchen when you could be relaxing or spending time with loved ones.
Helpful Tips for Dump Cake Success
- Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth mixture. If you forgot to take it out early, unwrap it and microwave in 10-second bursts until softened but not melted.
- For an extra-special touch, try adding a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs over the top before baking for that classic cheesecake crust flavor. It’s like high-protein healthy cheesecake bites but in a more indulgent form!
- This dessert is delicious warm or cold. For a summer treat, chill it completely and serve with a dollop of whipped cream perfect for those hot days when you need something refreshing like berries and cream.
Common Questions About This Sweet Treat
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cake layer will soften a bit in the fridge, creating an even more luscious texture!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of pie filling?
You can, but you’ll need to thaw and sweeten them first. Toss about 3 cups of thawed strawberries with 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch before using. For more variations on the classic dump cake concept, check out this strawberry dump cake recipe that uses different techniques.
I first created this recipe when my sister dropped by unexpectedly with her kids. With just 15 minutes of prep time, I had this in the oven while we caught up over coffee. The look on their faces when they tasted it was priceless and no one believed how simple it was to make!
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake proves that sometimes the easiest recipes deliver the most impressive results. It’s perfect for those moments when you need something sweet without the fuss, allowing you to enjoy both the process and the delicious outcome. So go ahead dump, bake, and amaze!
For more quick and delicious dessert ideas, check out my ultimate crookie recipe or churro cheesecake recipe that are equally impressive with minimal effort!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Base and Filling
- 1 can strawberry pie filling 21 oz
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps — they’ll melt into cheesecake goodness!
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling. No need to spread it perfectly — this is a dump cake, not a masterpiece!
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Let cool for about 20 minutes before topping with fresh strawberry slices. Serve warm or at room temperature!