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This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the dessert you make when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. With layers of sweet berries and creamy cheesecake, all tucked under a golden buttery topping, every bite is indulgent and irresistible. It is the kind of cake that disappears at potlucks and always gets recipe requests.
My sister begged me to share this after tasting it at a summer picnic. Now it is our family’s go to for last minute celebrations and holidays.
Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix: This creates a buttery crisp topping and is easy to use. Look for a trusted brand with quality ingredients for best flavor.
- Strawberry pie filling: Bright berry flavor and ultra convenience. Opt for a filling with whole berries if you can for that homemade look.
- Cream cheese: Softened to blend easily and gives the signature cheesecake creaminess. Use full fat for best results.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances both the cake and the berry flavor. Real vanilla is worth it here.
- Butter: Melted and poured on top for a perfect golden finish. Choose unsalted and fresh.
- Egg: Helps the cream cheese layer bake up rich and velvety.
- Sugar: Brings the cheesecake layer to the perfect sweetness. I like using fine granulated for smoothest blending.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture:
- Mix cream cheese vanilla extract egg and sugar with a hand mixer or spoon until it is completely smooth and creamy. Take a minute to scrape down the sides so everything is well incorporated.
- Layer the Strawberry Filling:
- Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure to reach all corners for berry flavor in every bite.
- Add Dollops of Cheesecake:
- Drop spoonfuls of your cream cheese mixture all over the strawberry filling. Do not worry about spreading it perfectly. The oven will help the layers come together.
- Top with Cake Mix:
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over everything letting it cover all the dollops and berries underneath.
- Finish with Butter:
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top trying to coat as much of the cake mix as possible for that crisp and buttery finish.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. The aroma will let you know it is almost done.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the creamy layers can set and you get clean slices.
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The strawberry and cream cheese combo reminds me of birthday mornings spent baking with my grandmother who always claimed this was “the easiest fancy dessert.”
Storage Tips
Let the cake cool completely then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. It is delicious cold or gently warmed in the microwave. To freeze cut into squares wrap tightly and freeze up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed for a fresh taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to try this with blueberry or cherry pie filling for a different twist. You can use white cake mix instead of yellow for mild vanilla flavor. If you want to lighten up the dessert experiment with low fat cream cheese but expect a slightly softer layer.
Serving Suggestions
I love topping a warm slice with whipped cream and extra fresh berries for a little flourish. This cake is excellent with iced coffee in summer or a mug of cocoa in cooler months. Serve it straight from the pan for casual gatherings or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dinner parties.
Cultural and Historical Context
Dump cakes like this first gained popularity in American kitchens in the 1970s when convenience ingredients became widely available. They have since become a beloved potluck staple thanks to their crowd pleasing flavor and stress free method. The strawberry cheesecake twist adds a retro diner spin that everyone recognizes and loves.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries. Macerate them with some sugar before layering to achieve a similar texture and sweetness.
- → Should I chill the cake before serving?
Allowing the dessert to cool helps it set, but it can be served slightly warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a firmer slice.
- → What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow cake mix offers a buttery, neutral flavor that complements both strawberries and cheesecake, but you may use white as an alternative.
- → Can I add toppings after baking?
Absolutely! Whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar enhance presentation and flavor.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to three days. Enjoy cold or gently reheat before serving.