Looking for a dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the bright, refreshing flavor of fresh strawberries? Look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! Whether you’re planning a family gathering, hosting a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, including fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and a buttery golden cake topping, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is inspired by the classic dump cake method, where you layer ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do all the work. The result is a dreamy combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? It’s so simple that even beginner bakers can pull it off with ease. Ready to indulge in a bite of this sweet, creamy treat? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you’ve ever had a traditional cheesecake, you know how rich and decadent it can be. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheesecake, minus the lengthy prep time and complicated steps? That’s exactly what this recipe offers — a delightful shortcut to the cheesecake experience with a light, fruity twist. Here’s why this strawberry cheesecake dump cake will become your new favorite dessert:

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple ingredients and almost no prep work, you’ll have a showstopper dessert ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want to treat your family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich and Creamy: The luscious cheesecake filling, made from cream cheese, sour cream, and a touch of vanilla, perfectly complements the sweet-tart strawberry flavor. It’s creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible.
Crispy Cake Top: The yellow cake mix forms a buttery, golden crust that adds a lovely texture to balance the smooth, creamy filling. It’s the ideal topping to this fruity, decadent dessert.
Versatile: While the strawberry version is a fan favorite, you can easily switch out the fruit for other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries. Get creative and adapt the recipe to your taste!

The Origins of Dump Cakes: A Fun and Easy Tradition

If you’re wondering about the origin of dump cakes, you’re not alone! This “dump” style of baking became popular in the 1980s as a quick, no-fuss way to make a cake without the need for mixing, beating, or extensive measuring. The method typically involves dumping a variety of ingredients (often a cake mix, fruit, and butter) into a baking dish and letting the oven do all the work.

The idea of “dump” cakes became a staple in American kitchens, especially for busy moms and bakers who wanted something easy but delicious. It’s like a baked version of a cobbler or crisp, with the cake mix acting as a base and topping, and the fruit filling providing moisture and sweetness. The simplicity of dump cakes makes them perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or casual family meals.

Now, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake takes things to the next level with the added richness of cream cheese and sour cream. It’s a fun twist on the traditional dump cake that will leave your guests asking for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Dump Cake Recipe

This is a quick and simple dessert that doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 box yellow cake mix: The base of the cake mix gives the dish its signature texture and flavor. Yellow cake is mild and buttery, which complements the creamy cheesecake filling beautifully.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter will be drizzled over the cake mix, ensuring it bakes into a golden, crispy topping.
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor and color to the dish. They’ll bake down into a soft, jammy filling.
1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling: This will serve as the fruit base for the dump cake, adding sweetness and a slightly thicker consistency. The combination of fresh strawberries and strawberry pie filling creates a layered, fruity goodness.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese adds that signature richness and tang that makes this dessert taste like a cheesecake in every bite.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sugar helps balance the tartness of the cream cheese and strawberries.
1 tsp vanilla extract: The vanilla brings a lovely depth of flavor to the cheesecake filling.
1/4 cup sour cream: The sour cream makes the cheesecake filling ultra-creamy and adds a subtle tang.
1 egg: The egg helps bind the cheesecake filling together, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
Whipped topping (for serving, optional): For the finishing touch, a dollop of whipped topping adds a light, airy contrast to the rich dessert. You can also use fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Ready to make this dessert? It’s simple, easy, and takes very little time to put together. Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring the delicious layers of this strawberry cheesecake dump cake in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential to achieve that luxurious cheesecake texture. Set the mixture aside.

3. Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling and Fresh Strawberries

Now, grab your prepared baking dish and spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom. Once that’s done, take your fresh sliced strawberries and scatter them on top of the pie filling. The combination of fresh fruit and canned pie filling creates a luscious, juicy base for your dump cake.

4. Add the Cheesecake Mixture

Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and smooth it out with a spatula. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even — the beauty of a dump cake is that it doesn’t require precision. The mixture will bake evenly and blend into the fruit layer as it cooks.

5. Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Next, grab the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cheesecake mixture. Don’t stir it! Just let the dry cake mix sit on top. The cake will rise and form a golden, slightly crispy topping as it bakes. You might see some gaps between the cake mix, but that’s perfectly fine — it’ll all come together in the oven.

6. Drizzle the Butter

Now, drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. This is what gives the cake topping its golden, crispy texture, and buttery flavor. Try to spread the butter out as evenly as possible, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect.

7. Bake the Dump Cake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. You’ll start to smell the delicious combination of butter, strawberries, and cheesecake filling as it bakes. Once done, remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake has cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to serve! Add a dollop of whipped topping and a fresh strawberry on top for an extra burst of color and flavor. You can also serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use Fresh Strawberries: While the canned pie filling adds great flavor, fresh strawberries add a lovely texture and brightness. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen strawberries or other berries.
Bake It Right: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake during the final 10 minutes of baking. If it’s golden and bubbly, it’s done!
Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the layers the night before and refrigerate them. When you’re ready, simply pop it in the oven for an easy, last-minute dessert.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of a complicated recipe. The rich cheesecake filling, sweet strawberries, and buttery cake topping come together in one perfect dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a special event or just treating your family to something sweet, this dump cake is bound to become a favorite. So go ahead — give it a try and watch as it disappears in no time!

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Author: IA
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for a dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the bright, refreshing flavor of fresh strawberries? This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delicious, easy-to-make treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. With a few simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and a buttery cake topping, this dessert is perfect for any occasion — from family gatherings to potlucks. Simple yet indulgent, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
Whipped topping (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add the fresh strawberry slices on top.
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the strawberries and smooth it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake mixture. Do not stir.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly around the edges.
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Add a dollop of whipped topping and a fresh strawberry for garnish, if desired.

Notes

Fresh strawberries add the best flavor and texture, but if they’re out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries or other berries.
Be sure to evenly drizzle the melted butter to ensure a golden, crispy top.
If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, you can prepare the layers the night before and refrigerate the dish. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven!
For an extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes