Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, fresh strawberries
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cream Cheese: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling.
- Prepare Cake Mix: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and strawberry cake mix until well combined and crumbly.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, if desired.
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
20 Secrets and Tips to Achieve the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Even Layering: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Smooth Cream Cheese Layer: Ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth and evenly distributed over the strawberry filling.
- Crumbly Topping: Mix the cake mix and melted butter until crumbly but not too dry; the texture should be similar to wet sand.
- Baking Dish Size: Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for even baking and perfect thickness.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking and drying out the cake.
- Golden Brown Top: The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.
- Garnish Freshly: Add whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the cake warm, allowing the cream cheese to remain soft and creamy.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist.
- Extra Filling: Add an extra can of strawberry pie filling for a fruitier cake.
- Mix in Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake mix for a crunchy topping.
- Use Fresh Berries: Substitute canned pie filling with fresh strawberries and a bit of sugar for a fresher taste.
- Microwave Tip: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
- Layer Creativity: Experiment with other pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for different flavors.
- Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix and pie filling for a lower-calorie dessert.
- Presentation: Serve in individual dessert glasses for a fancy presentation, layering the cake with whipped cream and strawberries.
Tips to Make Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe Even More Delightful
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Instead of store-bought whipped cream, make your own for a richer taste.
- Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture to add a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Layering Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, macerate them in a little sugar and lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Almond Extract: Add a few drops of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts over the top of the cake mix for added texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of white or dark chocolate chips to the strawberry layer for a delightful twist.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Pre-bake the strawberry cake mix base for 10 minutes before adding the cream cheese and strawberry layers to ensure a firmer crust.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
- Vanilla Beans: Use real vanilla beans or high-quality vanilla extract for a more intense vanilla flavor in the cream cheese layer.
- Strawberry Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle some strawberry syrup or jam over the top before baking for an extra layer of strawberry flavor.
- Butter Distribution: Make sure the melted butter is evenly distributed over the cake mix to avoid dry spots.
- Mix-in Nuts: Mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake mix for added crunch.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly, but avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Cooling Time: Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
- Whipped Cream Layer: Add a layer of whipped cream over the cooled cake for a creamy finish.
- Strawberry Garnish: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Mint Leaves: Add a few fresh mint leaves as a garnish to complement the strawberry flavor and add a touch of color.
- Individual Servings: Consider making individual portions in ramekins or mason jars for a more elegant presentation and easy serving.
Most Popular Questions and Their Answers
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
- Yes, you can use fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar for a fresher taste.
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving.
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
- Yes, white or vanilla cake mix can be used for a different flavor profile.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, freeze the baked cake without the fresh toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
- Neufchâtel cheese can be used as a lower-fat substitute for cream cheese.
- Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I add other fruits?
- Yes, adding other berries like blueberries or raspberries can enhance the flavor.
- Do I need to cover the cake while baking?
- No, bake uncovered to achieve a golden brown top.
- How do I prevent the cake mix from becoming too dry?
- Ensure the cake mix and butter are well combined and crumbly, not dry.
- Can I use homemade whipped cream?
- Yes, homemade whipped cream adds a fresh touch.
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- This recipe makes about 8 servings.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
- Can I add chocolate chips?
- Yes, sprinkling chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer can add a delightful twist.
- What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
- Almond extract can be used for a different flavor.
- Is this dessert very sweet?
- Yes, it’s quite sweet, but you can reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture to adjust sweetness.
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch dishes and adjust baking time as needed.
- How do I ensure the cake is cooked through?
- The top should be golden brown, and the edges bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Enjoy making your perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake!