the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe! This vibrant, cheerful dessert offers all the flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake with almost zero fuss. You start with juicy berries and creamy cheesecake filling, then top it all off with a buttery golden cake layer. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something sweet, tart, and deliciously easy. Trust me, once you try this cheerful treat, you’ll find every excuse to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is that you need just a handful of staple ingredients, but each one truly shines. Every component layers on unique flavor, texture, or a splash of color, creating a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

• Fresh or frozen strawberries (2 cups): These bring bursts of juicy, sweet-tart flavor and a pop of vibrant red color to every bite.
• Strawberry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): For irresistible stickiness and depth of strawberry flavor that melds everything together.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star for that classic, tangy cheesecake creaminess—make sure it’s room temperature for easy blending.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer and balances all that berry goodness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the cheesecake flavor; use pure extract if you can.
• Yellow cake mix (1 box): Your not-so-secret shortcut! It forms a fluffy, buttery, golden topping with mixed-in strawberry juices for extra flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Creates that signature crispy top and ensures the cake layer bakes up rich and decadent.
• Whipped cream (optional): Adds a creamy, airy finishing touch—totally optional, but highly recommended!

How to Make the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start things off strong by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it guarantees your dump cake rises evenly and the butter transforms that cake mix into a golden, crispy crown from the very first minute in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, then coat it generously with nonstick spray or butter. This simple step makes serving (and cleanup!) so much easier and ensures those gooey fruit and cheesecake layers won’t stick.

Step 3: Layer the Fruit

Scatter your fresh or frozen strawberries across the bottom of the dish. Next, pour the strawberry pie filling gently over the top—don’t worry about perfection! The combination gives this cake its juicy, jammy base and the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe its signature texture.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this cheesecake mixture on top of the berries. No spreading needed—the heat of the oven will do all the work to swirl and melt this into decadence.

Step 5: Add Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit and cheesecake layers. Don’t mix or tamp it down—just let it sit on top! This allows different textures to form as the cake bakes, with crispy edges and a plush center.

Step 6: Add Butter

Drizzle that glorious melted unsalted butter all over the dry cake mix surface. Try to cover it as evenly as possible but don’t fuss. The butter is what transforms the cake mix into a crispy, golden, almost cobbler-like topping—it’s downright magical!

Step 7: Bake

Nestle your dish into the oven and let it bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is beautifully browned and you see bubbly bits peeking at the sides. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma—trust me, it’s almost impossible to wait to dig in.

How to Serve the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Give this dessert the finishing touch it deserves with a generous dollop of whipped cream, fresh strawberry halves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers brings a nostalgic cheesecake vibe, while a few mint leaves add a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Though the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe easily steals the spotlight, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, lemon sorbet, or even a cold glass of milk elevates each slice to pure comfort food bliss. For a spring brunch spread, a simple fruit salad or a sprig of minted iced tea on the side is delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just serve it straight from the dish (unless you want to—no judgment!). Spoon warm cake into cute mason jars for picnics, use little ramekins for elegant dinner parties, or top mini portions with scoops of strawberry ice cream for extra wow factor. The beauty of the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is that it’s at home everywhere, from backyard BBQs to special celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay tasty for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen as it sits, making this an even dreamier treat the next day.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? You absolutely can freeze portions of the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. Just wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, reheat single servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or until warmed through. If you’re refreshing a larger portion, cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Either way, top with fresh whipped cream just before serving!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Both fresh and frozen strawberries work beautifully in the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw first—the extra juices just make the cake even more deliciously gooey.

What kind of cream cheese is best to use?

Always reach for full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the richest flavor and the silkiest texture. Make sure it’s fully softened before mixing so you get an ultra-smooth cheesecake layer.

Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix, or can I substitute another flavor?

Yellow cake mix gives that classic, buttery flavor, but you can use white cake mix or even lemon cake mix for a refreshing twist! Each one will give a slightly different vibe, but all will be scrumptious.

How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling fruit around the edges—that’s your sign! The center should be set and no longer look powdery, but a few gooey spots from the fruit and cheesecake are perfectly normal.

Can I make the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Bake it a day ahead, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Give it a quick warm-up before serving, top with fresh garnishes, and your guests will never guess it wasn’t made that same day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dazzle your taste buds and wow your friends, you have to try the best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with joy and your heart with happy memories. Grab those berries and let the magic begin!

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