Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Introduction

Warm, buttery, and bursting with sweet strawberry aroma, the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with instant comfort. Layers of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake notes, and golden cake topping create a spoonable treat that feels indulgent yet effortless. What makes this dessert special is its no-mix, no-stress method that still delivers rich flavor and contrasting textures. This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns simple pantry ingredients into a crowd-pleasing bake with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to layer, bake, and perfect this dessert every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake stands out because it delivers bakery-style flavor without complicated steps. You get a soft, jammy strawberry base, pockets of tangy cream cheese, and a buttery cake layer that bakes into a crisp, golden topping. That contrast between creamy, fruity, and crumbly textures makes every bite exciting. This recipe also saves time since you skip mixing bowls and fancy equipment. It works for last-minute guests, family gatherings, or casual weekends when you want something sweet without effort. The balance of sweetness and tang keeps it from feeling heavy, while the warm, scoopable texture makes it pure comfort food.

Ingredients

To make the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you only need a handful of accessible ingredients. Use 2 cans (21 oz / 595 g each) strawberry pie filling for a thick, fruity base with real strawberry pieces. Add 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened slightly and cut into cubes, to create rich cheesecake pockets. One box (15.25 oz / 432 g) vanilla or yellow cake mix forms the buttery topping. Drizzle ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted, over the cake mix to help it bake evenly. Optional additions include 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth and aroma.

Pro Tips

The first key tip for the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is even layering. Spread the strawberry filling smoothly so every bite gets fruit. Scatter cream cheese cubes evenly rather than clumping them together.
Second, always melt the butter fully and drizzle it slowly over the cake mix. Dry patches lead to powdery spots, so cover as much surface as possible.
Third, bake until deeply golden and bubbling at the edges. That bubbling tells you the filling thickened properly, while the color ensures a crisp topping. Let the cake rest for 15 minutes after baking to help the layers set before serving.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Base
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom so the base cooks uniformly.

Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Scatter the cream cheese cubes evenly over the strawberry filling. Press them lightly into the filling so they stay suspended during baking.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top. Do not stir. This dry layer will transform into a buttery crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. Tilt the pan gently if needed.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble. If needed, rotate the pan halfway through for even color.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the layers set while keeping the center soft and scoopable.

Variations

You can customize the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in several easy ways. Swap strawberry filling for cherry or blueberry for a different fruit profile while keeping the cheesecake element. For a chocolate twist, use chocolate cake mix and add white chocolate chips on top. If you want a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free cake mix. You can also add sliced fresh strawberries or raspberries to boost freshness and texture without changing the method.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore warmth and softness. For serving, top with vanilla ice cream for a classic contrast, whipped cream for a lighter finish, or fresh strawberries for extra brightness. This dessert works beautifully as a casual family treat or a make-ahead option for potlucks and celebrations.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but cook them with sugar and cornstarch first to mimic the thickness of pie filling.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese fully?
Slightly softened works best so it melts into creamy pockets without disappearing.

Why is my topping dry in spots?
Dry spots usually mean uneven butter coverage. Drizzle slowly and evenly next time.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.

What cake mix works best?
Vanilla or yellow cake mix gives the best balance with strawberry and cheesecake flavors.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is comfort food at its finest — warm, fruity, creamy, and irresistibly easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a dessert everyone requests again, whether for weeknight treats or special gatherings.