Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully simple, making it a great choice for beginners and busy home bakers alike. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the layering method keeps prep work quick and easy. The combination of tart strawberries, smooth cheesecake filling, and golden cake topping creates a dessert that feels comforting and special at the same time. It is also a great option for potlucks, family dinners, holidays, or anytime you need a dessert that serves a group.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups strawberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, optional, for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the strawberries evenly across the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible. Add the milk if you want a softer texture.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 10 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
You can easily change this recipe to match what you have on hand or the flavor you want. Try using blueberries, raspberries, cherries, or mixed berries in place of the strawberries. White cake mix or vanilla cake mix also works well if you do not have yellow cake mix. For more cheesecake flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers between the fruit and cream cheese layers. You can also serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover strawberry cheesecake dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese layer, it is best kept chilled.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. You can also place the baking dish in the oven at a low temperature until the dessert is warm again. Freezing is not the best option for this recipe, since the creamy layer may change texture after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well in this recipe. You can use them straight from the freezer without thawing first.
Do I need to mix the layers together?
No. Dump cakes work best when the layers are kept separate, so do not stir after assembling.
Why is my topping still powdery?
This usually happens when the melted butter does not cover enough of the dry cake mix. Try drizzling it more evenly next time.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it earlier in the day or a day ahead, then reheat it before serving.
What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow cake mix is a classic choice, but white or vanilla cake mix also tastes great in this recipe.
Can I add more strawberries?
Yes, but adding too much fruit can create extra moisture and affect the texture of the topping.
Is the milk necessary?
No, the milk is optional. It can help create a softer topping, but the recipe will still work without it.
How do I know when it is done baking?
The cake is ready when the top looks golden and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, but many people prefer it warm because the topping stays soft and buttery while the filling feels extra creamy.
What should I serve with strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
It is delicious on its own, but it pairs especially well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh strawberries.
Conclusion
Strawberry cheesecake dump cake is the kind of dessert that delivers big flavor with very little effort. The fruity base, creamy cheesecake layer, and buttery cake topping come together beautifully in every bite. Whether you are making it for a family gathering, a holiday table, or a simple weekend treat, this recipe is an easy way to serve something warm, comforting, and memorable.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
A simple and delicious strawberry cheesecake dump cake made with layers of sweet strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake topping. Perfect for an easy dessert with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute strawberry filling with cherry or blueberry for variation.
- Ensure butter is evenly distributed to avoid dry patches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg