A Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you love desserts that feel indulgent but don’t require hours in the kitchen, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a perfect choice. This recipe brings together the rich tang of cheesecake and the simplicity that makes dump cakes so popular, creating a strawberry cheesecake dump cake that feels special without being complicated.
This dessert is especially appealing if you enjoy strawberry desserts and want something reliable for holidays, potlucks, or relaxed family dinners. A buttery cake-mix base, a smooth cheesecake layer, and a sweet strawberry topping work together to deliver balanced flavor and a satisfying texture in every strawberry cheesecake dump cake slice.
Why This Dessert Is So Popular
Among classic dump cakes, this strawberry-and-cheesecake combination stands out for its structure and richness. While most dump cakes focus purely on speed, the cheesecake layer adds creaminess and helps the dessert set into neat, sliceable bars once chilled.
Home bakers love this strawberry cheesecake dump cake because it:
- Requires no complicated layering or water bath
- Uses easy-to-find pantry ingredients
- Balances cheesecake richness with classic strawberry cake flavor
- Works well as a make-ahead dessert
If you’re building a collection of dependable strawberry dump cake recipes, this version fits naturally into the mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake uses simple ingredients that deliver consistent results.
Ingredients:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- Cooking spray
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Finely grated zest of 2 medium lemons (about 4 teaspoons)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
The lemon zest is subtle but important it brightens the cheesecake layer and keeps the finished strawberry cheesecake dump cake from tasting overly sweet.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Cake Base
In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with the melted butter until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and kosher salt on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Spread the mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Layer
Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and gently spread it into an even layer.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for about 45 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and bubbly and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the cake cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the strawberry cheesecake dump cake from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake layer creamy
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, even portions
- A glass baking dish helps the layers bake evenly
Easy Variations to Try
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake adapts easily while staying true to classic dump cakes:
- Substitute cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling
- Use lemon cake mix for extra citrus flavor
- Add fresh sliced strawberries after baking
- Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar
These variations make it easy to enjoy different takes on familiar strawberry desserts throughout the year.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Flavor improves after chilling overnight
- Serve cold for firmer slices or slightly softened for a creamier bite
Thanks to its structure, this dessert is also one of the most dependable easy dessert recipes to prepare in advance.
When to Serve This Dessert
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is ideal for:
- Potlucks and family gatherings
- Holidays and celebrations
- Weekend baking projects
- Anytime you want a low-effort dessert that still impresses
Its blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries keeps it a favorite among strawberry desserts without requiring advanced baking skills.
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FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first with sugar and cornstarch to get a jam-like consistency. Strawberry pie filling is ideal because it’s thick and sweet enough to hold up during baking. If you want a fresh element, try adding sliced strawberries on top after baking.
2. What’s the best cake mix for strawberry dump cake recipes?
Yellow cake mix is the most popular because it balances the sweet strawberry flavor and creamy cheesecake layer. However, white cake mix or lemon cake mix are great alternatives if you want a lighter or citrusy flavor twist.
3. How do I know when my dump cake is done baking?
The edges should be golden and bubbly, and the center should have a slight jiggle. Don’t overbake cheesecake continues to set while cooling. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a bit of moisture.
4. Can I make this strawberry cheesecake dump cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dessert is actually better when chilled overnight. Just cover it well and refrigerate. Serve it straight from the fridge for clean slices, or let it soften slightly for a creamier texture.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake shows how simple ingredients can still create a standout dessert. With clear steps, familiar flavors, and reliable results, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re expanding your list of easy dessert recipes or searching for trusted strawberry dump cake recipes, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake consistently delivers crowd-pleasing results without unnecessary effort.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (The Easiest Creamy Strawberry Dessert Ever)
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert creamy, fruity, and always a crowd favorite. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temp
- Cooking spray
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 medium lemons
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray.
- Mix cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Press into dish.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, zest, and salt until smooth. Spread over crust.
- Spoon and spread strawberry pie filling over cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes until edges are golden and bubbly.
- Cool 30 minutes. Then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for best texture.
- Don’t overbake center should still jiggle slightly.
- Chill completely before slicing for clean results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg