Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – The Irresistible Dessert That Practically Makes Itself!
Imagine the sweet scent of strawberries mingling with creamy cheesecake and buttery vanilla cake, all bubbling together in one magical pan. Sounds too good to be true? That’s exactly what this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake delivers—a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert that requires almost no effort but tastes like a bakery masterpiece.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just want to indulge in something comforting and decadent, this dump cake is your go-to. It’s rich, creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- (Optional: Add a few sliced fresh strawberries for extra texture)
Cheesecake layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake topping:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (dry, do not prepare)
Optional for serving:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Crushed graham crackers
Directions – Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Strawberries
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- For an extra punch of flavor, sprinkle in a bit of lemon zest or a few chopped fresh strawberries.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until the texture is creamy and lump-free.
- Gently spread this over the strawberry filling in an even layer. Don’t mix—keep the layers separate.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
- Evenly sprinkle the dry vanilla cake mix over the cream cheese layer.
- Do not stir or press down—just let it sit loose across the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with strawberry goodness.
- You’ll know it’s done when the top is slightly crisp and a bit of the filling starts peeking through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let it cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled—this dessert is delicious any way you slice it!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Dump Cake
- Use real vanilla extract – artificial flavoring won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
- Customize it! Add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a splash of almond extract for a twist.
- Don’t mix layers – the beauty of a dump cake is the natural layering during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dump cake pairs perfectly with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top
- A swirl of whipped cream and fresh strawberries
- A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for crunch
Perfect for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy night in.
Storing & Reheating
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Can be served cold straight from the fridge—it’s just like strawberry cheesecake!
Why This Recipe Works (And Why People Keep Coming Back)
- Only a handful of simple ingredients
- No electric mixer or fancy tools needed
- Tastes like it took hours to make
- Always a hit at potlucks and parties
- Perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and cakey textures
Fun Fact:
“Dump cakes” are a beloved American dessert that date back to the 1960s, named for the method of literally dumping the ingredients into the pan. But don’t let the name fool you—these cakes are rich, layered, and utterly luxurious.
Tried It? Share the Love!
If you make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, don’t forget to:
- Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram
- Drop a comment below and tell us your twist
- Share this recipe with someone who loves strawberries!