Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

 Easy, rich, and irresistibly creamy — this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines luscious strawberry filling, smooth cream cheese, and a buttery cake topping. A no-fuss dessert that tastes like heaven in every bite!

Tools You’ll Need

• 9x13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowl

• Electric hand mixer or whisk

• Spatula or spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven mitts

Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)

• 1 (21 oz / 595 g) can strawberry pie filling

• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Layer the strawberry filling

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will form a juicy, fruity base for the dessert.

3. Prepare the cheesecake layer

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Spoon this mixture in dollops over the strawberry filling, then gently spread it — it doesn’t have to be perfect; some swirls are lovely.

4. Add the cake mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir. The magic of a dump cake lies in those layers staying separate while baking.

5. Add the butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible so that the top bakes up crisp and golden.

6. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with strawberry goodness.

7. Cool and serve

Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or let it chill for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

• Don’t stir the layers. Keeping the layers separate ensures the top becomes crisp while the middle stays creamy.

• Soften the cream cheese properly. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free texture when mixing.

• Butter coverage matters. If there are dry patches of cake mix after baking, drizzle a bit more melted butter and bake 5 minutes longer.

• Serve it your way. Warm for a gooey texture, chilled for a dense cheesecake feel.

Variations & Additions

• Berry Mix: Combine strawberry and blueberry pie fillings for a colorful twist.

• Chocolate Dream: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white or yellow.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for extra texture.

• Creamy Upgrade: Add a few dollops of sour cream to the cheesecake layer for a tangier flavor.

• Citrus Kick: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten up the strawberries.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~340 kcal

• Protein: 3 g

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Sugar: 30 g

• Fiber: 1 g

Values may vary depending on the cake mix and pie filling brand used.

Preparation Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pie filling?
A: Absolutely! Cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry fillings all work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake it a day in advance, then store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
A: You can, but the texture will be slightly lighter and less creamy. Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor.

Q: Should I refrigerate leftovers?
A: Yes — because of the cream cheese layer, this dessert should be refrigerated once cooled.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake proves that indulgence doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s nostalgic, simple, and utterly comforting — a dessert that brings joy with minimal effort. Whether you serve it warm with melting ice cream or chilled for a creamy finish, every bite delivers a burst of strawberry sweetness wrapped in velvety cheesecake and buttery crunch. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again — because some desserts are just too easy (and too good) to resist.