Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Easy, Creamy & Irresistibly Delicious

If you’re craving something sweet, fruity, creamy, and impossibly easy to make, let us introduce you to your new favorite dessert: the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This incredible dessert combines all the flavors of a traditional cheesecake and strawberry pie with the convenience of a dump cake—meaning it’s no-fuss, minimal-prep, and outrageously delicious.

Whether you’re a busy parent needing a weeknight treat, a potluck participant aiming to wow the crowd, or someone who simply doesn’t want to wrestle with complicated baking recipes, this dessert is your answer. With the sweet tang of strawberries, the rich creaminess of cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping, this dump cake is as heavenly as it sounds.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know to create the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake—including a step-by-step recipe, variations, expert baking tips, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to all your burning questions.

Let’s get baking!

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What Is a Dump Cake (And Why You’ll Love It)?

Before we get into the rich layers of our Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, let’s talk about what a dump cake actually is.

A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like—a dessert where you “dump” all your ingredients into a baking dish, layer by layer, without the need for mixing or advanced techniques. The result? A bubbly, warm, cake-like dessert with minimal effort. It’s as close to magic as baking gets!

This cake is different from traditional cakes or pies. There’s no need to beat eggs until fluffy or worry about baking soda ratios. It’s perfect for beginner bakers, kids, or anyone who just wants a no-stress, high-reward dessert.

Now, add a cheesecake twist and some strawberry pie filling, and you’ve got a total game-changer: the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

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Why Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Is the Dessert You Need in Your Life

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are a few that truly stand out:

• Minimal prep work: Just layer and bake. No mixers, no kneading, no stress.
• Sweet and tangy flavor profile: Strawberries and cheesecake are a match made in dessert heaven.
• Crowd-pleasing: This is the kind of dessert that disappears from the buffet table first.
• Customizable: You can tweak the fruit, cake mix, or even the cheesecake layer for unique flavors.
• Budget-friendly: Using pantry staples like boxed cake mix and canned pie filling keeps it affordable.
• Bake and forget: Once it’s in the oven, you can walk away until it’s done.

Whether you’re new to baking or consider yourself a home kitchen pro, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will win you over with its simplicity and flavor.

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Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and what each one contributes to this luscious dessert:

Essential Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) strawberry pie filling
  This forms the base layer of the cake and brings that vibrant, sweet-tart strawberry flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  The creamy heart of the dessert. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.
• 1 large egg
  Helps stabilize the cheesecake layer and adds richness.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  Adds sweetness to the cheesecake mixture without overpowering the strawberries.
• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
  This is the “cake” part of your dump cake. It bakes into a soft, slightly crumbly topping.
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold salted butter, sliced thin
  Essential for creating that golden-brown, slightly crispy topping. The butter melts into the cake mix as it bakes.
• Optional: fresh strawberries for garnish
  Adds a lovely visual touch and extra burst of fresh flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Add Strawberry Pie Filling

Pour the two cans of strawberry pie filling into the baking dish and spread evenly. This luscious, fruity layer sets the stage for everything that follows.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, egg, and sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.

Drop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer, then gently spread it out to create a second even layer.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Do not mix—just spread the dry mix evenly over the top.

Step 5: Add Butter Slices

Place the thin slices of cold butter across the entire surface of the cake mix. Make sure they’re evenly distributed. As the cake bakes, the butter will melt down into the dry mix, creating a crispy golden topping.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of flair, top each serving with fresh strawberries or even a dollop of whipped cream.

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Baking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

1. Soften the cream cheese properly
   Leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
2. Use cold butter, not melted
   Thin slices of cold butter placed evenly over the cake mix ensure a more even bake and crispier top.
3. Don’t stir the layers
   Resist the urge! The magic of the dump cake lies in the layering. Mixing defeats the purpose.
4. Want a firmer cheesecake layer?
   Chill the cake for 1-2 hours after baking. This allows the cheesecake filling to fully set.
5. Add texture
   Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) over the cake mix before baking for a crunchy topping.

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Creative Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

While this version is absolutely amazing, there’s always room to experiment:

1. Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use a combination of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry pie fillings for a berry explosion.

2. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Swap the white cake mix for chocolate for a richer, dessert experience.

3. Lemon Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use lemon cake mix and add a bit of lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a citrus twist.

4. Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake

Top the baked dump cake with whipped cream and crumbled shortbread cookies for a classic dessert remix.

5. Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check your pie filling is gluten-free as well.

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Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Warm with vanilla ice cream
  A scoop of ice cream over warm cake? Yes, please!
• Chilled with whipped cream
  Serve cold for a firmer, more cheesecake-like consistency.
• With extra fruit topping
  Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup.

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Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a jam-like consistency first. Canned filling is more convenient and consistent.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Assemble the layers in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours.

Q3: Is it okay to use unsalted butter?
Yes. If you use unsalted butter, you might want to add a pinch of salt to the cheesecake mixture or cake mix layer.

Q4: What cake mix brand works best?
Any store-bought white or vanilla cake mix works well—Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, or store brands.

Q5: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger baking pan or two 9×13-inch dishes. Adjust baking time as needed.

Q6: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. For best results, bake just before serving.

Q7: How can I make this more “cheesecake-like”?
Increase the cream cheese to 12 oz and use two eggs for a richer, thicker cheesecake layer.

Q8: Can I substitute other fruits?
Definitely! Cherry, peach, or blueberry pie fillings also work beautifully with this dump cake recipe.

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Conclusion: Your New Go-To Dessert – Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

There you have it—everything you need to know about making the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from scratch. This dessert is the ultimate solution for when you want something that feels indulgent but takes minimal effort. With its layered flavors, gooey strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake center, and golden cake topping, it hits every sweet craving you’ve got.

The beauty of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you’re making it for a celebration, a weekday treat, or just because you deserve dessert today, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with all the variations and serving options available, you can customize it to fit any occasion or preference.

So go ahead, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and dump your way to one of the easiest and most delightful desserts you’ll ever make.

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