Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a rich, fruity, and creamy dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries, the tangy creaminess of cheesecake, and the fluffy golden texture of a cake — all in one easy dish. The name “dump cake” comes from the fact that you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake — no complicated mixing required.
This recipe is a cross between a cheesecake and a cobbler-style cake, making it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or just when you want a quick but indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish, optional)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- First Layer: Strawberries
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- If you want extra fruitiness, add a few sliced fresh strawberries on top.
- Second Layer: Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or cream), mixing until creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. You don’t need to spread it perfectly — uneven spots will create creamy pockets.
- Third Layer: Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese layers. Do not stir.
- Final Layer: Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much as possible, as this helps the topping bake evenly.
- Bake
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
- Top with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Methods & Tips
- Mix-ins: Add white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut before baking.
- Different Cake Mixes: Try vanilla, strawberry, or even lemon cake mix for variation.
- Healthier Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter.
- Serving Style: Best served warm, but it also tastes delicious chilled.
History
Dump cakes originated in the United States in the 1960s, becoming popular because they were quick, affordable, and required very little skill. This version upgrades the traditional dump cake by adding a cheesecake element, making it richer and creamier.
Benefits
- Easy preparation – No mixer or fancy baking skills needed.
- Crowd-pleaser – Sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once.
- Customizable – Can be made with different fruits and cake flavors.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 310–340 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 3–4g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
Lovers of the Recipe
This cake is loved by:
- Strawberry lovers who crave fruity desserts.
- Cheesecake fans who want a quick, creamy fix.
- Busy bakers who need a simple, no-fuss recipe.
- Kids and families because of its sweetness and fun layers.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and cake in a fuss-free method. It’s perfect for celebrations, casual family dinners, or when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. One bite delivers creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and a buttery cake crumble — a true comfort dessert