Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

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I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that come together effortlessly but still taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I love this Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s sweet, creamy, and loaded with fresh strawberry flavor—all baked on a buttery, golden cake base. The combination of tangy cream cheese and juicy strawberries is nothing short of a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself on a quiet evening.

What makes this dessert truly magical is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dessert that looks like it came straight out of a bakery. And that topping? A luscious layer of strawberries nestled into a rich cream cheese blend, finished with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s the kind of cake that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe).

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• It’s practically effortless—just dump, layer, and bake.
• Perfect for any skill level, even beginner bakers.
• Combines the richness of cheesecake with the simplicity of a cake mix.
• Uses basic, affordable ingredients.
• Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

For this recipe, I prefer using a classic yellow cake mix. It adds the perfect buttery flavor and crumbly texture to complement the creamy cheesecake layer and juicy strawberries. If you want a slightly richer taste, a butter golden cake mix works beautifully as well. Avoid overly sweet mixes like funfetti or chocolate—they’ll overpower the fruity, tangy balance we’re going for.

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Options for Substitutions

• Strawberry pie filling: You can use cherry or blueberry filling if strawberries aren’t available.
• Cream cheese: Neufchâtel cheese is a slightly lighter alternative that still offers the same creamy texture.
• Yellow cake mix: Try white cake mix or even angel food mix for a lighter twist.
• Whipped cream topping: Swap it with homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Butter: Margarine can be used in a pinch, but real butter gives the best flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for this Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Strawberry pie filling – This is the star of the show, bringing that sweet, fruity burst in every bite. It creates a jammy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake layer.
• Cream cheese – Provides that rich, tangy layer reminiscent of a classic cheesecake. It adds depth and creaminess to the dish.
• Yellow cake mix – Acts as the base and topping. When baked, it forms a golden, buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter – Sliced and layered over the cake mix, it melts into the cake, adding moisture and richness while helping the top get slightly crispy.
• Whipped cream (for topping) – A light and fluffy finishing touch that balances the richness of the cake.
• Fresh strawberries (optional garnish) – Adds a fresh, juicy contrast and makes the presentation pop.
• Powdered sugar (optional) – For dusting, giving a beautiful, bakery-style finish.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light layer of butter to ensure easy cleanup and perfect edges.

Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling

Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out so that the entire surface is coated.

Step 3: Drop Dollops of Cream Cheese

Soften the cream cheese slightly and then drop spoonfuls across the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the cheese will melt into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of creamy richness.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the entire surface. Try to cover all the cream cheese and strawberry filling, but avoid pressing it down.

Step 5: Add Butter Slices

Thinly slice the butter and place the slices all over the top of the cake mix. Make sure it’s distributed evenly to help the cake bake up golden and moist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The filling should be hot and the cake mix fully cooked.

Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly

Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set a bit and makes it easier to serve.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Top with whipped cream, a whole strawberry, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-pretty presentation.

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How Long to Prepare the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

The beauty of this dessert is that it’s as quick as it is delicious. You can have it ready with minimal effort, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute guests.

Preparation Time:
It takes just 10-15 minutes to get everything layered and ready to go in the oven. No mixer or special equipment required. Most of the time is spent layering the ingredients in the baking dish.

Cooking Time:
Bake the dump cake for 45-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Dump Cake

• Make sure the butter is sliced thin and spread evenly so that every part of the cake mix gets moistened.
• Don’t stir the layers! The beauty of a dump cake is the distinct textures that form during baking.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier dolloping and better melting.
• For added crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
• If your cake mix is still powdery after baking, drizzle a little melted butter over those areas and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the butter coverage: Incomplete butter coverage can leave dry patches of cake mix.
• Using cold cream cheese: This makes it harder to spread and can result in uneven pockets.
• Overbaking: The filling may start to burn or the top may get too dark if left in too long.
• Choosing the wrong pan size: A pan that’s too small can overflow; always stick with 9×13 for best results.
• Mixing the layers together: Stirring changes the structure and turns it into a mushy, less appealing dessert.

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What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

The cold, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey dump cake.

2. Fresh Berries

Balance the sweetness with a side of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries.

3. Whipped Cream

A generous dollop of whipped cream enhances the cheesecake flavor and adds a light finish.

4. Iced Coffee or Latte

A chilled coffee drink makes a great contrast to the rich dessert.

5. Lemonade or Sparkling Water

For a refreshing beverage option, especially during warmer months.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
You can leave the dump cake out for up to 6 hours if covered with foil or plastic wrap. After that, it should be refrigerated.

Refrigeration:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It actually tastes great cold, or you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Freezing:
For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 370
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 29g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Not for this version. The texture and moisture from pie filling are essential for the dump cake structure. Fresh berries would need to be cooked down first.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese?

Yes, room temperature cream cheese is easier to spoon and helps melt more evenly into the cake.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?

You can substitute with white or butter golden cake mix. Avoid flavors that may overpower the strawberry and cream cheese combo.

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Conclusion

This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings together all the best parts of a comforting dessert: it’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute treat or planning something special for your next gathering, this cake delivers every time. With its sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake layer, and golden cake topping, every bite is a perfect mix of texture and taste. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your dessert rotation.

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