Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe

The Dreamy Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet summer berries burst with flavor in this mouthwatering strawberry dump cake recipe that promises delightful simplicity.

Dessert lovers adore how effortlessly this treat comes together with minimal preparation.

No complicated mixing or fancy techniques stand between you and a delectable dessert.

Juicy strawberries create a luscious base that melds perfectly with tender cake layers.

Crumbled ingredients cascade into the baking dish, creating a rustic and irresistible texture.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and comforting cake goodness.

Warm from the oven, this dessert beckons everyone to savor its irresistible charm.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Flavor Highlights

  • Whip Up Quickly: Super simple dump cake method means tossing ingredients together without complicated mixing or precise techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic strawberry and cheesecake flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for personalized dessert experience.
  • No-Fuss Baking: Minimal preparation required, using basic pantry ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master with confidence.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Fruit Layer:
  • Strawberry Pie Filling: A sweet and vibrant base that provides the fruity foundation for the dessert.
Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Cake and Topping Layer:
  • Dry Cake Mix: Provides the cake-like structure and texture to the dessert.
  • Melted Butter, Milk: Add moisture and richness to the cake mix layer.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredients that bring additional warmth and crunch to the dessert.
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

Steps for Assembling Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or rub it down with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Strawberry Base

Pour the strawberry pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it out in an even, luscious layer that covers the entire bottom.

Step 3: Whip Up Cheesecake Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky-smooth mixture.

An electric mixer works magic, but a good old-fashioned hand mix can do the trick if the cream cheese is super soft.

Step 4: Dollop Cheesecake Layer

Scoop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling.

Don’t stress about making it perfect – the heat will help it spread during baking.

Step 5: Shower with Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage of the cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Add Moisture Magic

Drizzle melted butter and milk over the cake mix.

The goal is to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible, creating a delectable texture.

Step 7: Optional Flavor Boost

If you’re feeling adventurous, dust the top with ground cinnamon and scatter chopped nuts for an extra flavor punch.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top, bubbling edges, and a set center.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, give the cake a 15-minute breather.

This helps the layers settle and makes cutting easier.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls while still warm.

Feeling indulgent?

Crown your creation with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh strawberries.

Pro Tips for Dump Cake Baking

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer without overworking the mixture.
  • Use a light hand when sprinkling dry cake mix to create a uniform layer that bakes into a delightful crumbly topping.
  • Drizzle melted butter and milk slowly and systematically to ensure every bit of cake mix gets moistened for a perfectly textured dessert.
  • Enhance the flavor by topping the finished cake with fresh, seasonal strawberries for a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Variations

  • Blueberry Blast: Replace strawberry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a tangy, deep-purple dessert that bursts with berry flavor.
  • Peach Paradise: Swap strawberry filling with peach pie filling, creating a southern-style summer treat with soft, golden undertones.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use plant-based butter, and select a vegan cake mix to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Dump Cake

  • Berry Bliss Companion: Top cool, creamy vanilla ice cream over each warm slice for a decadent contrast of temperatures.
  • Sweet Morning Magic: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by pairing a slice with fresh coffee or morning tea.
  • Fresh Fruity Finish: Garnish with extra fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance visual appeal and add bright flavor notes.
  • Elegant Dessert Bar: Create a stunning dessert presentation by cutting into smaller squares and arranging on a decorative platter with mint leaves for elegant touch.

Storage for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

  • – Refrigerate Promptly store leftover cheesecake dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays fresh for up to 3-4 days when properly sealed.
  • – Cover Completely wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual pieces to sealed containers to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal texture.
  • – Freeze Wisely freeze the dump cake for extended storage up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • – Thaw Carefully remove the frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, but drain excess liquid first and mix with a little sugar to create a similar consistency to pie filling.

  • Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and richer flavor for this dump cake recipe.

  • What type of cake mix works best?

White or vanilla cake mix works perfectly, but yellow cake mix is also a great alternative for this strawberry cheesecake dump cake.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe

Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet magic happens when Strawberry Dump Cake arrives on your dessert table, combining effortless preparation with irresistible flavor. Home bakers can quickly craft this simple yet delightful treat that promises pure comfort in every warm, fruity bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 21-ounce (595 grams) cans strawberry pie filling
  • 1 15.25-ounce (432 grams) box vanilla cake mix
  • 1 8-ounce (226 grams) package cream cheese

Dairy and Butter:

  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter, melted

Preparation Ingredients:

(None additional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. Combine melted butter with dry cake mix, using a fork to create a coarse, crumbly texture that will form the cake’s base and topping.
  3. Distribute strawberry filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a vibrant fruity foundation.
  4. Slice cream cheese into thin, uniform pieces and carefully arrange them in a single layer over the strawberry filling, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Generously scatter the prepared butter-cake mix crumbles across the top, creating a rustic, textured surface that will become golden and crisp during baking.
  6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a light golden-brown topping that indicates the cake is perfectly cooked.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the dump cake to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Customize Texture Adjust the butter amount to control the crumble’s consistency, making it more sandy or clumpy based on personal preference.
  • Enhance Flavor Sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries or a dash of vanilla extract over the cream cheese layer for added depth and brightness.
  • Dietary Modifications Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure cream cheese is lactose-free to make the dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Make-Ahead Tip Prepare the cake up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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