If you’ve never tried a dump cake before, let me tell you—you’re in for a treat! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is my go-to dessert when I want something quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. The first time I made it, I was in a pinch for time but still wanted a dessert that tasted like I’d spent hours in the kitchen.
The combination of sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake flavor, and buttery cake mix had everyone coming back for seconds. Bonus: you only need a few basic ingredients, and there’s no need for fancy equipment. Just dump, bake, and enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when you need a no-fuss dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started!
What’s Inside This Recipe?
What You’ll Need for This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Let’s break down the ingredients for this easy dessert. You won’t believe how simple it is to create something so decadent and rich!
- 2 (21-ounce) cans of strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Optional toppings:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
You’ll also need a 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe. That’s it—no mixers, no fancy tools. Let’s get baking!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This recipe is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort.
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the strawberry pie filling
Grab your cans of strawberry pie filling and evenly spread them across the bottom of your baking dish. Don’t skimp on the edges—you want every bite to be full of that sweet strawberry goodness!
Step 3: Add the cream cheese mixture
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar together until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the cream cheese will melt into the cake as it bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cake mix
Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling layers. Resist the urge to stir—this is a dump cake, after all!
Step 5: Drizzle with melted butter
Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter is the secret to creating that golden, crispy topping we all love.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing—warm, buttery, and fruity!
Step 7: Cool and serve
Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives the layers time to set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Can I use a different pie filling?
Absolutely! While I love the combination of strawberries and cheesecake, you can swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or even peach. Just make sure to use the same amount for the best results.
Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
Not at all! If you prefer, you can use white cake mix or even a butter pecan mix for a slightly different flavor. The recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dump cake is perfect for making ahead. Bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Since this recipe contains cream cheese, I recommend storing leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the cake to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free variety. Most grocery stores carry gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mixes that work perfectly in this recipe.
Delicious Ways to Customize This Dump Cake
One of the best things about this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes. Here are a few fun ideas to try:
- Make it extra creamy: Add a layer of vanilla pudding before the cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Go nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the cake mix before drizzling with butter. The nuts toast up beautifully in the oven!
- Add a citrus twist: Mix a little lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese layer for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Turn it into a summer trifle: Layer pieces of the baked dump cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries in a trifle dish for a stunning presentation.
- Use leftovers creatively: If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), spoon them over vanilla yogurt or use as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Make it from scratch: For the fluffiest homemade whipped cream, beat cold heavy cream with a splash of vanilla extract and a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. It’s so simple and way better than store-bought!
Give This Easy Dessert a Try!
I hope you’re as excited to try this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake as I was the first time I made it. It’s fast, foolproof, and tastes like a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.
If you do make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your photos on social media. Don’t forget to tag me @WandaRecipes so I can see your creations.
Looking for more easy dessert ideas? You’ll love my recipe for Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake—it’s another no-fail favorite!
Happy baking!
– Wanda
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 21-ounce cans of strawberry pie filling
- 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar optional, for extra sweetness
Optional toppings:
- Fresh strawberries sliced
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the strawberry pie filling
- Grab your cans of strawberry pie filling and evenly spread them across the bottom of your baking dish. Don’t skimp on the edges—you want every bite to be full of that sweet strawberry goodness!
Step 3: Add the cream cheese mixture
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar together until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the cream cheese will melt into the cake as it bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cake mix
- Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and pie filling layers. Resist the urge to stir—this is a dump cake, after all!
Step 5: Drizzle with melted butter
- Slowly pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter is the secret to creating that golden, crispy topping we all love.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
- Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing—warm, buttery, and fruity!
Step 7: Cool and serve
- Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives the layers time to set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
