This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy and delicious dessert that comes together in no time! With just a few ingredients, you’ll get a sweet, creamy, and fruity treat that everyone will love. It’s perfect for any occasion when you need something quick but impressive.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a breeze to make, and the combination of strawberry pie filling and cream cheese adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet cake mix topping. Plus, it’s a dump-and-bake style dessert, meaning minimal prep and cleanup. It’s perfect for when you want a homemade dessert without the fuss.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 8 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cans of strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese (dolloped)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with non-stick spray.
- Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add dollops of whipped cream cheese evenly on top of the pie filling.
- Sprinkle the dry vanilla cake mix over the cream cheese and pie filling mixture.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top, making sure it covers the cake mix.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also drizzle some fresh strawberry syrup or garnish with fresh strawberries for added flavor and decoration.
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that warm, fresh-baked taste.
Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This will help it dollop evenly on the pie filling and blend better as it bakes.
- Add Fresh Berries: For an extra fresh flavor, add sliced fresh strawberries on top before baking.
- Customize the Cake Mix: If you want a different flavor profile, you could substitute vanilla cake mix with lemon or white cake mix.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Try sprinkling some crushed graham crackers or nuts over the top for a little crunch.
- Don’t Stir: This is a “dump” cake, so resist the urge to mix everything together. The layers will form as it bakes.
Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Mixed Berry Dump Cake
Swap out the strawberry pie filling for a mixed berry pie filling, or use a combination of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. - Peach Cheesecake Dump Cake
Replace the strawberry pie filling with peach pie filling. For an extra twist, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the peach flavor. - Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake
Add a layer of chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese before adding the cake mix. The chocolate will melt and create a rich contrast with the strawberry filling. - Lemon Cheesecake Dump Cake
Use lemon cake mix instead of vanilla and pair it with the strawberry pie filling for a bright, citrusy flavor. Add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese for an added zing. - Tropical Dump Cake
Swap the strawberry pie filling for pineapple pie filling and add shredded coconut to the top of the cake mix before baking. This creates a tropical-inspired dessert. - Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake
Replace the strawberry filling with apple pie filling and sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over the cake mix before baking for a cozy fall flavor. - Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Use cherry pie filling in place of strawberry, and add a few tablespoons of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture to enhance the cherry flavor. - Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dump Cake
Combine apple pie filling with caramel sauce poured over the top of the cake mix, then bake. The caramel will melt into the cake for a decadent dessert. - Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake
Use pumpkin pie filling instead of strawberry and add some pumpkin spice to the cream cheese mixture. This makes for a perfect fall dessert. - Chocolate Cake Mix Variation
Swap the vanilla cake mix for a chocolate cake mix to create a rich, chocolatey base for your fruit filling. Strawberry and chocolate is always a winning combination!
FAQs for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Can I use a different type of pie filling?
Yes! You can swap the strawberry pie filling for any other fruit pie filling like cherry, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor profile. - Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese?
Yes, you can use regular cream cheese, but it’s best to soften it first so it’s easier to dollop on top of the pie filling. - Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving to enjoy it warm. - Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! You can switch the vanilla cake mix with lemon, white, or even yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor. - Can I add fresh fruit to the recipe?
Yes! Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries would be a great addition. You can mix them into the pie filling or use them as a topping. - How do I prevent the top from becoming too dry?
Make sure to drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If it seems dry, try adding a little more butter or topping with whipped cream. - Can I use a different size pan?
This recipe is designed for a 9×13-inch pan. If you use a different size, the baking time might need to be adjusted. - How long will this cake last?
Leftovers will last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. - How can I make the cake more “cheesecake-like”?
For a richer cheesecake flavor, combine the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract before adding it to the top of the pie filling. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the entire cake (unbaked) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. - Should I mix the ingredients together?
No, this is a “dump cake,” so you don’t need to stir the ingredients. Layer everything in the pan, and it will come together as it bakes. - Can I use a different type of butter?
While melted butter works best, you could try using margarine as a substitute, but it may affect the texture slightly. - Can I add a crumble topping?
Yes, you can add a crumble topping by mixing some oats, brown sugar, and butter together and sprinkling it on top of the cake before baking. - What can I use instead of whipped cream cheese?
You can use regular cream cheese or even mascarpone cheese for a different flavor and texture. - Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free cake mix in this recipe, but the texture might vary slightly. - Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cake mix and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream cheese. - Can I reduce the sweetness of the cake?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese or opt for an unsweetened pie filling. - Is this cake suitable for a potluck?
Yes! This dump cake is perfect for a potluck. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is always a hit with guests. - Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch to the cake. Sprinkle them over the top before baking. -
What should I serve this cake with?
Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even fresh strawberries for an extra indulgent treat.