Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the buttery cake mix into its rich companions, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Nothing feels as comforting as dessert made from scratch, and that’s exactly what you’ll achieve with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This easy dessert marries the smoothness of cheesecake with the zesty pop of strawberry pie filling, creating a sweet masterpiece that requires only minimal effort, perfect for even the busiest days. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply in need of a midweek treat, this no-fuss recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes for an excellent make-ahead option. I can already hear the delighted gasps of family and friends as they savor each luscious bite. Curious about how to whip up this delectable cake? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Dump Cake So Special? Effortless Preparation: You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dessert with minimal ingredients and steps. Decadent Flavor Fusion: The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry filling creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Ultimate Versatility: Feel free to customize by swapping strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a new twist—perfect for any fruit lover! Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: This recipe shines when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld overnight for an even richer experience. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether for a family gathering or casual get-together, this dump cake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! For more delightful dessert ideas, check out our Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake or Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Ingredients For the Base Layer Strawberry Pie Filling – This brings a burst of fruity moisture; you can easily substitute with homemade fresh strawberries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch. Cream Cheese – Essential for that rich, creamy texture; using reduced-fat versions can lighten your dessert without sacrificing flavor. For the Cake Topping Yellow Cake Mix – This serves as both the base and topping, delivering sweetness and structure; experiment with white or strawberry cake mix for a different taste profile. Unsalted Butter – Provides richness to the cake; ensure it’s evenly drizzled over the mix to avoid dry patches. For the Finishing Touch Whipped Topping – Adds a light and airy finish to the cake; for a homemade version, mix heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Sugar (if needed) – Enhances sweetness; adjust based on the flavor of your pie filling for the best results. This delightful assembly of ingredients is what makes The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a truly distinctive and satisfying dessert! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake bakes evenly and develops a beautiful, golden crust. Once the oven is ready, grab your 9×13 baking dish to prepare for the fruity layers ahead. Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling Next, take your strawberry pie filling and evenly spread it across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure every inch is covered. This layer provides a burst of fruity flavor and moisture that will complement the cheesecake, setting the stage for a delicious dessert. Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. After achieving that perfect texture, gently spread it over the strawberry layer in your baking dish. Ensure even coverage to create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, essential for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake experience. Step 4: Add the Cake Mix Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Be generous, ensuring that the mix covers the entire area without any gaps. This step creates the delightful cake topping that will bake beautifully and provide a sweet crunch to every bite of your dump cake. Step 5: Drizzle the Melted Butter Melt your unsalted butter until it’s completely liquefied, then drizzle it evenly over the cake mix. Make sure to cover all areas to prevent any dry spots from forming during baking. This buttery drizzle will soak into the mix, lending a rich and delicious flavor to The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a golden top and bubbly edges. The cake should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when done. The aroma will fill your kitchen, teasing everyone with the promise of dessert. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked to perfection, remove The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best taste, serve it warm or refrigerate it for a chilled treat later. What to Serve with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake When planning the perfect meal to accompany this delightful dessert, let your taste buds guide you through a symphony of flavors and textures. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Its creamy, cold texture perfectly balances the warm, gooey layers of cake, creating a heavenly bite. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of color that delights the eye. Mint-Infused Whipped Cream: A light dollop infused with fresh mint elevates each slice, offering a cooling contrast to the rich cheesecake flavors. Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Pour warm chocolate ganache over the top for an indulgent, decadent touch that complements the fruity notes beautifully. Lemon Sorbet: This zesty, refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate, making it a light counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake layer. Sparkling Rosé: A glass of this fruity wine enhances the sweetness of the cake while adding a touch of elegance to your dessert experience. Coconut Macaroons: Their chewy texture and subtle coconut flavor provide a delightful contrast that pairs well with the dump cake’s richness. Earl Grey Tea: Serve with this fragrant tea for a refined touch; its floral notes complement the strawberries wonderfully. Lemon Cheesecake Bars: When entertaining, consider small bites like these; they’ll echo the flavors of your dump cake while offering variety. The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine while preparing this delightful dump cake, transforming it into something uniquely yours! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a delicious alternative. Your guests won’t even notice the difference! Berry Twist: Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to freshen up the flavor. This simple change brings a new burst of fruity goodness to each bite. Tropical Delight: Incorporate crushed pineapple in place of the strawberry filling for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple with cream cheese will transport you to a sunny beach getaway! Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar over the cake mix before adding the butter. This small addition can create a warm, spiced contrast that’s absolutely delightful. Vegan Version: For a plant-based treat, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free options, and choose a vegan cake mix. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy a slice of goodness! Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts in the cake mix layer for an exciting texture contrast. The richness of the nuts complements the sweet flavors beautifully. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cake for an indulgent treat. A rich chocolate layer adds decadence that pairs perfectly with the strawberry cheesecake flavors. Greek Yogurt Layer: Swap a portion of the cream cheese with vanilla Greek yogurt for a lighter version. This swap lends a creamy yet tangy touch to the dessert, making it a delightful option for brunch. Experimenting with these variations will make each experience with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake unique! For additional inspiration, check out our Lime Mousse Cheesecake for a refreshing twist or the Apple Crumble Cheesecake as a cozy alternative. How to Store and Freeze The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Fridge: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors. Freezer: If you want to keep the cake longer, freeze it in slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Reheating: To enjoy it warm, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it can affect the texture of the cheesecake filling. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate it without the whipped topping. Add the topping just before serving to keep it fresh and airy! Make Ahead Options These make-ahead tips for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will save you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the strawberry filling and cream cheese layer up to 24 hours in advance; simply layer them in your baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep everything fresh. The cake mix topping can also be pre-measured and stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix and pop it into the oven. Trust me, this make-ahead approach allows you to enjoy a delicious dessert without the last-minute rush, and the flavors will still be just as delightful! Expert Tips for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Butter Distribution: Ensure melted butter is evenly drizzled over the cake mix to prevent clumps and dry patches in The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Flavor Infusion: For the best flavor, let the dump cake rest overnight in the refrigerator. The sweetness of the strawberry filling intensifies and mingles beautifully with the cheesecake layer. Garnish Suggestions: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with dark chocolate curls or a sprinkle of citrus zest. This adds a fresh touch that complements the dessert wonderfully. Make it Your Own: Experiment with fruit swaps, like blueberries or raspberries, for a delightful twist on The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that caters to different tastes. Chill Before Serving: Allow the dump cake to chill before serving to enhance its creamy texture and taste. Enjoy it cold or warmed up—both are delectable! The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe FAQs What type of strawberries should I use? Using a good-quality strawberry pie filling provides fantastic flavor and moisture. However, you can also use fresh strawberries. Simply cook them down with sugar and cornstarch until they become syrupy, which takes about 10-15 minutes. This homemade version adds a personal touch to your cake! How should I store leftover dump cake? Store any leftover The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures the creamy cheesecake retains its texture, and the flavors stay delightful. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing! Can I freeze the dump cake? Absolutely! To freeze The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This method protects your cake and keeps it fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results. What if my cake comes out too dry? If you notice dryness, it might be due to uneven butter distribution over the cake mix. For the next time, melt the butter completely and ensure it’s drizzled evenly across the dry mix. This helps keep the top moist while baking, adding a delightful texture to every piece. Can I make a gluten-free version? Yes, indeed! To make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free, simply substitute with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free, including the pie filling and whipped topping. You’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors without any worries! Is this cake safe for pets? While the ingredients in The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake are safe for humans, some, like cream cheese and sugar, are not ideal for pets. It’s best to keep this cake away from dogs and cats. If your pet snags a bite, they probably won’t face any serious issues, but it’s better to avoid giving them sweets. The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake You’ll Love The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that combines cheesecake and strawberry pie filling for a comforting treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base Layer1 can Strawberry Pie Filling May substitute with homemade fresh strawberries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch.8 oz Cream Cheese Use reduced-fat versions to lighten the dessert.For the Cake Topping1 box Yellow Cake Mix Can use white or strawberry cake mix for different flavors.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted and evenly drizzled over the mix.For the Finishing Touch1 container Whipped Topping For a homemade version, mix heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.to taste tablespoons Sugar Adjust based on the flavor of your pie filling. Equipment 9x13 baking dish Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a beautiful, golden crust.Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then spread it over the strawberry layer.Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.Drizzle melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix.Bake for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly, with a toothpick coming out clean.Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, let the dump cake rest overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavor. Garnish with dark chocolate curls or citrus zest before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!