Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Strawberry cheesecake dump cake is pure dessert magic on busy nights or when guests are coming and you want maximum deliciousness with almost no effort. Each scoop is creamy from the cheesecake ribbon with pools of tart strawberry jamminess and a buttery golden crunch.

I first made this for a backyard barbecue and have since been begged to bring it for every family get-together. The relaxed style always wins hearts because no one believes something so easy can be so indulgent.

Ingredients

• Yellow or white cake mix: Look for a moist one about fifteen ounces brand does not matter much here
• Strawberry pie filling: Seek out a filling with real fruit pieces not just gel the texture matters a lot
• Unsalted butter: Go with real butter and melt fully for even pouring salted can overpower the cheesecake
• Cream cheese: Full-fat gives the richest result let it soften on the counter so it beats easily
• Granulated sugar: White sugar balances the tangy cream cheese pick fine crystals so it dissolves nicely
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic cheesecake aroma pure extract is worth it

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish A spritz of nonstick spray or a light swipe of butter in every corner makes cleanup a breeze

Layer the Strawberry Base:

Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling across the bottom of your prepared dish Use a spoon to nudge it into every edge this is your fruity flavor base

Cream the Cheesecake Layer:

In a mixing bowl beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until ultra smooth and creamy You want no lumps for that classic ribbon of creaminess

Dollop and Spread the Cheesecake:

Drop big spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries then gently spread with an offset spatula or the back of your spoon You do not need to be perfect some swirls and peeks make a lovely surprise in each bite

Add Dry Cake Mix:

Sprinkle the cake mix evenly right from the packet to cover the surface fully Resist any urge to mix or pat down The magic is in the dry layer

Pour Melted Butter Over the Top:

Slowly pour the melted butter as evenly as you can over the cake mix Try to cover as much as possible but know that any tiny dry pockets will work themselves out in the oven

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake for forty to forty five minutes until the top is bubbling and golden crisp at the edges The kitchen will smell like a strawberry bakery dream

Cool and Serve:

Let it cool for about ten to fifteen minutes to help everything set Scoop to serve warm for gooey cheesecake rivers or chill for clean sliceable bars Both ways are incredible

My favorite part is always the hidden pockets of cheesecake which remind me of my grandma’s old New York cheesecake recipe but with a fraction of the effort and all of the joy Sharing a warm pan of this on a rainy night makes for such sweet memories.

Storage Tips

Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator The texture gets even creamier overnight Just scoop and warm briefly if you like it gooey again or eat cold straight from the dish

Ingredient Substitutions

Change the fruit filling to blueberry cherry or even apple for endless variety If all you have is chocolate cake mix go for it for a chocolate strawberry vibe Neufchatel cheese in place of cream cheese shaves a little richness if needed

Serving Suggestions

Top with fresh sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a little crunch

A Bit of History

Dump cake is a true American home cook classic springing up in the nineteen sixties for busy bakers looking for easy yet crowd pleasing treats Marrying that method with the flavors of strawberry cheesecake feels like a genius kitchen hack

Seasonal Adaptations

Opt for canned cherry or blueberry filling for winter parties Fold in some lemon zest to the cheesecake layer to brighten summer flavors Try a spiced cake mix and apple filling for a cozy fall spin

Success Stories

My neighbors now request this for every game night I have made it on a camping trip with a portable oven and it was the talk of the weekend

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble fully then wrap tightly with plastic and foil Unbaked dump cake can be frozen for up to one month Bake straight from the freezer adding about fifteen extra minutes until golden and hot

Whether warm or chilled every bite brings creamy and fruity bliss with no stress for the baker. This is one dessert you will want to make over and over again.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use other fruit fillings?

Yes, cherry or blueberry pie filling also works well and adds delicious variety to the dessert.

→ Why shouldn’t I mix the dry cake mix?

Leaving the dry cake mix on top ensures a crisp, buttery crust forms as it bakes, creating unique texture.

→ Is it better served warm or cold?

Enjoy it warm for gooey, melted layers, or chill for a firmer, classic cheesecake texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Warm individual servings in the microwave if desired.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead?

Yes, bake ahead and refrigerate. Serve chilled or reheat portions for a gooey texture.