Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Ultimate Lazy Dessert Delight

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If you’ve ever wished for a dreamy, creamy dessert that comes together in minutes with almost zero effort—welcome to your new favorite sweet treat! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a magic blend of rich cheesecake flavor, sweet strawberry filling, and buttery cake topping. And the best part? You literally dump everything into the pan. No mixing bowls, no electric mixers, just pure dessert bliss in a baking dish.

Let’s dive into how you can whip up this incredibly easy dessert in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights, spontaneous guests, or just satisfying your own sweet tooth!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any dump cake—it’s a strawberry cheesecake dump cake. That means it’s layered with indulgent cream cheese and fruity strawberry pie filling for a flavor combo that tastes like a bakery masterpiece with half the effort.

Here’s why you’ll adore it:

  • Only 5 basic ingredients
  • Takes just 10 minutes to prep
  • No fancy equipment needed
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks
  • Rich, gooey, and golden with every bite

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This recipe is for everyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s especially ideal for:

  • Busy parents
  • College students
  • Beginner bakers
  • Anyone hosting a last-minute get-together
  • People who love cheesecake but don’t want to bake one from scratch

What Is a Dump Cake Anyway?

Great question! A dump cake is a classic American dessert where ingredients are layered into a baking dish without mixing—typically a fruit base, followed by dry cake mix, and topped with melted butter. It bakes up like a cobbler or crisp, but with a unique, fluffy-meets-gooey texture.

Think of it as the lazy baker’s best friend—but still crazy delicious.


Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Strawberry Pie Filling – Adds juicy, jammy flavor.
  • Cream Cheese – For that rich, tangy cheesecake goodness.
  • White or Yellow Cake Mix – The secret to a golden, crumbly topping.
  • Salted Butter – Melted and poured over the top for a buttery finish.
  • Vanilla Extract (optional) – For extra aroma and flavor depth.

Optional Add-ins and Substitutions

  • Swap strawberry for cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling.
  • Use Neufchâtel cheese for a slightly lighter version.
  • Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for crunch.
  • Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk before baking for an extra gooey texture.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

One of the best parts? You barely need anything:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons (if using vanilla)
  • Oven

That’s it. No stand mixers, no mess. Just dump, bake, and devour.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13″ pan or coat with non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

  1. Spread two cans of strawberry pie filling across the bottom.
  2. Dot the surface with spoonfuls of softened cream cheese.
  3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. No mixing!
  4. Drizzle with melted butter, covering as much of the surface as possible.
  5. Add a splash of vanilla extract if desired.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

Let cool slightly before serving—although it’s also amazing warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!


Tips for the Best Dump Cake Ever

  • Use room temperature cream cheese so it spreads easier.
  • Don’t stir the layers—resist the urge!
  • If dry patches remain on top after baking, drizzle with a little extra melted butter or milk before baking longer.
  • For a crispier topping, bake uncovered; for a gooier texture, loosely tent with foil.

Variations to Try Next Time

Want to get creative? Here are a few fun ideas:

  • Chocolate Strawberry Version: Add chocolate chips between the cream cheese and cake mix.
  • Cinnamon Crunch Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
  • Lemon Berry Delight: Use lemon cake mix with blueberry pie filling.
  • Holiday Festive: Add crushed graham crackers or holiday sprinkles after baking.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let the cake cool completely, then:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil, then stored in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

  • Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Or warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert plays well with:

  • Vanilla bean ice cream
  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Chilled rosé wine (for grown-up gatherings)
  • Mint garnish for a fancy touch

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Want to plan ahead? Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes, then bake as usual.

Freezing tip: You can bake, cool, then freeze the entire cake. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat to serve.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overbaking: The top may brown too quickly. Check at the 35-minute mark.
  • Dry top: Didn’t use enough butter? Make sure it’s evenly drizzled.
  • Lumpy cream cheese: Use softened, not cold cream cheese.
  • Mixing layers: Let the ingredients stay layered for best texture.

Conclusion

There you have it—your go-to, no-stress, ridiculously delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. With its crave-worthy combo of fruity filling, rich cream cheese, and golden buttery topping, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll make again and again.

It’s the perfect quick fix when you need a show-stopper dessert without all the effort. And whether it’s a potluck, birthday, or cozy Sunday at home—this cake delivers every time.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this dump cake gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the regular cake mix with your favorite gluten-free vanilla or yellow cake mix.

2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

You can, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to mimic the thickness and sweetness of canned pie filling.

3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Layer everything as instructed and cook on low for 2–3 hours until set and bubbly.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a larger baking dish (or two 9x13s) and adjust baking time accordingly—add about 10–15 minutes more.

5. Why is it called a “dump” cake?

Because you literally “dump” everything into one dish—no mixing bowls required. It’s lazy baking at its most delicious!


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