Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Lazy Baker’s Dream Dessert

Introduction: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert with Minimal Effort

There’s something magical about a dessert that feels indulgent and homemade—but only takes a few minutes to throw together. Enter the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a recipe that combines the sweet, fruity brightness of strawberry pie filling with the rich creaminess of cheesecake and the golden, buttery crunch of classic dump cake.

It’s called a “dump cake” because all you need to do is dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the rest. No mixing bowls. No frosting. No crusts or layers. Just layers of instant joy and irresistible flavor.

This recipe is perfect for:

Holiday dinners
Potlucks and gatherings
Sunday brunch or dessert
Last-minute cravings
Beginner bakers or kids in the kitchen

It tastes like a mash-up of cheesecake, cobbler, and buttery shortcake—all baked in one dish. Best of all? You only need six ingredients and 5 minutes of prep.

Ingredients: Simple, Delicious, and Easy to Find

You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Ingredients

1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
The base layer. It adds sweet, fruity flavor and gives the cake its vibrant red color.
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
Provides the fluffy top layer. You don’t need to mix it—just sprinkle it over the top.
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Adds the cheesecake richness and creamy texture.
½ cup granulated sugar
Sweetens the cream cheese and gives it that classic cheesecake tang.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the creaminess and rounds out the flavor.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Poured on top to create that crispy, buttery finish on the cake.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dump cake comes together in layers. No mixing, no whisking—just pure dessert bliss.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use nonstick spray.

Step 2: Add the Pie Filling

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Pro Tip: You can use homemade pie filling or even a strawberry compote if you want more control over sweetness.

Step 3: Sweeten the Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can use a spoon, whisk, or hand mixer.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can dollop the cream cheese mixture directly onto the pie filling without fully mixing—rustic still works!

Step 4: Layer the Cream Cheese

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to lightly spread or swirl it—but don’t worry about perfection.

Step 5: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Do not stir. The dry mix will bake into a soft and slightly crispy cake layer on top.

Step 6: Add the Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the top as possible to avoid dry patches.

Optional: Add a few extra pats of butter over any dry spots for a golden finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the dump cake cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes scooping easier.

Serve warm with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries or mint

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s Foolproof

There’s no measuring flour, no tempering eggs, no worrying about doneness. If you can layer ingredients, you can make this dessert.

2. It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves strawberries and cheesecake. This combo is familiar, comforting, and always a hit.

3. It’s Versatile

You can easily swap in different flavors of pie filling or cake mix to match the season or your taste buds.

4. It’s Make-Ahead Friendly

Bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving—it tastes just as amazing.

Flavor Variations: Make It Your Own

This base recipe is just the beginning. Try these fun twists:

Different Pie Fillings:

Blueberry
Cherry
Peach
Raspberry
Apple with cinnamon and caramel drizzle

Different Cake Mixes:

White cake mix for a lighter flavor
Lemon cake mix for a citrusy zing
Strawberry cake mix for double berry goodness
Chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-strawberry twist

Flavor Enhancers:

Add a few drops of almond extract to the cream cheese
Sprinkle chopped nuts or graham cracker crumbs on top
Mix a handful of mini white chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer
Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter for depth

Serving Suggestions: Sweeten Every Occasion

This dessert is perfect for:

Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day
Easter or spring brunch
Potlucks and bake sales
Holiday dessert tables
Weeknight cravings

Serve it in:

Individual ramekins
Mason jars (for gifts or events)
Casserole-style with a big spoon and lots of love

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

To Store:

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy chilled.

To Freeze:

Cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 290
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 38g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: <1g

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brand of cake mix, filling, and butter used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned filling?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first to replicate the texture of pie filling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your pie filling and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use light cream cheese or sugar substitute?

Absolutely. Light cream cheese and sugar alternatives like erythritol work great for a lighter version.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or bake in two separate dishes. Extend baking time slightly.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes! It’s delicious chilled, especially on hot days. The layers become firmer and more cheesecake-like.

Conclusion: A Dessert You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a sweet solution for busy bakers who still want to wow a crowd. With minimal ingredients, no fuss, and maximum flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

From its bright strawberry base to its buttery cake topping and velvety cheesecake layer in the middle, this dump cake is a feel-good, fuss-free dessert that delivers every single time.

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