If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but still tastes amazing, look no further than a strawberry cheesecake dump cake! This dessert combines the richness of a cheesecake, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the comforting texture of a cake all in one pan. The best part? It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, need a quick family dessert, or just want to indulge in something sweet, this dump cake is a foolproof choice that will impress everyone.

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. You “dump” the ingredients into the pan, spread them out, and let the oven do the rest of the work. This particular recipe adds a creamy cheesecake layer that melts perfectly into the strawberry filling, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. You can customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste, but the strawberry and cheesecake combo is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep Time

No need for mixing, beating, or any complicated steps—just layer your ingredients and bake. It’s one of the easiest desserts to prepare!

2. Rich, Creamy Flavor

The cheesecake layer brings an indulgent, creamy texture that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday, this dump cake is perfect for any event where you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.

4. Customizable

You can easily swap the strawberry filling for other fruit fillings, or add extra toppings like whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a scoop of ice cream.

5. Feeds a Crowd

This dessert is made in a 9×13-inch pan, making it perfect for larger gatherings or parties. It’s easy to slice into portions and serve to a crowd.

Ingredients

Strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries
Cream cheese, softened
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla extract
Yellow cake mix
Unsalted butter, melted
Whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Different Fruit Fillings: While strawberry is the classic choice, you can substitute it with blueberry, peach, cherry, or even mixed berries for a new flavor twist.
Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips to the cake mix or drizzle chocolate syrup over the top after baking.
Topping Options: Add a crumble topping for extra texture, or sprinkle crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-inspired crust on top.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Strawberry Layer

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. If you’re using fresh strawberries, slice them and layer them on top of the cheesecake mixture.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry layer. You don’t need to mix it—just distribute it as evenly as possible.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to help the cake mix bake into a golden, crumbly topping.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You may need to check the cake toward the end of baking, as the edges can sometimes brown faster than the middle.

Step 7: Let It Cool

Once the dump cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into squares.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Serve the strawberry cheesecake dump cake warm or at room temperature. If desired, top with whipped cream or fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk.
Don’t Stir the Cake Mix: Simply sprinkle the dry cake mix over the filling, do not stir it. This helps create a nice crumbly topping as it bakes.
Add Extra Flavor: For a hint of spice, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the cake mix before adding the butter for added flavor.
Check for Doneness: The top of the cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

How to Serve

This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more indulgent by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For an extra touch, top with fresh berries or a mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a warm, comforting treat.

Freezing

This dessert can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the dump cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat the cake, microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

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

Yes! Fresh strawberries can be used, just make sure to slice them and add a bit of sugar if they are not sweet enough. You could also cook them down slightly to create a jam-like consistency.

2. Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can use other flavors like white cake mix or even a funfetti cake mix for a colorful twist.

3. Do I need to mix the cake mix with anything?

No, the cake mix is used dry—just sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry layer and pour the butter on top.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.

5. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the strawberries with other fruit fillings like blueberries, peaches, or cherries. You can even mix multiple fruits together for a fun fruit medley dump cake.

6. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut or almond milk in place of the sweetened condensed milk. Be sure to use a dairy-free cake mix as well.

7. How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

Be sure to evenly distribute the melted butter over the cake mix and don’t stir it into the filling. This helps create a crisp topping.

8. Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?

Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free cake mix in place of regular cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

9. How do I know when the dump cake is done?

The top should be golden brown and bubbly, and you can insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Can I serve this warm?

Yes! In fact, many people love serving dump cakes warm with a scoop of ice cream. It’s a comforting treat when it’s fresh out of the oven.

Conclusion

This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet, all in one easy-to-make dessert. It’s great for any fall or spring celebration, and it’s a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy the flavors of cheesecake and strawberries. With its minimal prep time, endless possibilities for variations, and ability to feed a crowd, it’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection!