There’s something magical about the combination of strawberries and cheesecake that never fails to impress. Like the “little black dress” of desserts, this classic pairing always delivers, regardless of the occasion. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that captures these iconic flavors in perhaps the simplest form imaginable: the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
As a busy parent constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for recipes that deliver impressive results with minimal effort. This dessert perfectly embodies that philosophy—virtually effortless preparation while still delivering that sophisticated strawberry cheesecake flavor we all crave.
What Makes This Dump Cake Special?
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simplicity. With just 5 basic ingredients and about 10 minutes of active preparation time, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The contrast between the creamy cheesecake layer, sweet strawberry filling, and crunchy cake topping creates a delightful texture experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you need a quick dessert for unexpected guests, a potluck contribution, or just a sweet treat to brighten a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of dump cakes is their simplicity, and this recipe stays true to that promise with just five essential ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix – Vanilla, French vanilla, or white cake mix works best for this recipe. I specifically recommend avoiding yellow cake mix to maintain the pristine white color of the top layer, which creates a beautiful contrast with the pink strawberry filling. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, chocolate cake mix can create an interesting strawberry-chocolate cheesecake variation!
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted – I recommend using salted butter here. The slight saltiness enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, unsoftened – The cream cheese creates that distinctive cheesecake flavor we’re aiming for. For a lighter version, Neufchâtel cheese makes an excellent substitute with fewer calories but similarly creamy results.
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling – Any brand works well here. The fruity sweetness balances perfectly with the tangy cream cheese.
- Non-stick cooking spray – For greasing your baking dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (approximately 175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the stick of butter completely.
- Add the cake mix to the melted butter and stir until well combined. The mixture will have a sandy, crumbly texture. Set this aside for a moment.
- Open both cans of strawberry pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Make sure to create an even layer that covers the entire bottom.
- Take your cream cheese and cut it into thin slices. This is easier if the cream cheese is cold straight from the refrigerator.
- Arrange the cream cheese slices evenly over the strawberry filling, spacing them out to ensure good coverage when they melt during baking.
- Sprinkle your buttery cake mix mixture evenly over the top, covering both the strawberry filling and cream cheese slices completely.
- Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top develops a beautiful golden-brown color and you can see the strawberry filling bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for just a few minutes before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions
One of the wonderful things about this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is its versatility when it comes to serving:
- Enjoy it warm from the oven for a comforting treat with melty cream cheese pockets.
- Serve at room temperature for a firmer texture.
- Refrigerate and serve cold for a more cheesecake-like experience.
For an extra special touch, consider these accompaniments:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful hot-and-cold contrast when the cake is served warm.
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and complements the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- For a finishing touch, add a few fresh strawberry slices as garnish if they’re in season.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my household!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This dump cake freezes surprisingly well! After cooling completely, wrap individual portions or the entire remaining cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Recipe Variations to Try
While the strawberry and cheesecake combination is a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with these variations:
- Substitute the strawberry pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or peach filling for a completely different flavor profile.
- For a more defined crust, consider adding a layer of crushed graham crackers mixed with a bit of melted butter at the bottom before adding the fruit filling.
- Add a sprinkle of finely chopped pretzels to the cake mix topping for an unexpected salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sweet components.
- For chocolate lovers, try using chocolate cake mix instead of white for a chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake experience.
More Strawberry Desserts to Explore
If you enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you might also want to try these other strawberry desserts:
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad Parfaits
- Strawberry Rose Ice Cream
- Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Strawberry Crunch Bars
- Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Reader Testimonials
Many home bakers have tried this recipe with great success. Here’s what some have shared:
“This was a huge hit at our family gathering! So easy to make but everyone thought I spent hours in the kitchen. Will definitely make again!” – Sarah M.
“I was skeptical about not mixing the cream cheese with anything, but it turned out amazing! The cream cheese mellows as it bakes and creates the perfect cheesecake flavor.” – David L.
“Made this for a potluck and came home with an empty dish and requests for the recipe. Five stars!” – Michelle K.
In Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake represents everything I love about practical home cooking—simplicity, reliability, and crowd-pleasing results. In just 40 minutes total (with only 10 minutes of hands-on time), you’ll have a dessert that captures the beloved flavor combination of strawberries and cheesecake in a format that’s accessible to even novice bakers.