The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s laughably easy but delivers bakery-worthy flavor, The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to win your heart. With luscious layers of sweet strawberry, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake topping, every spoonful is pure heaven. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just want a memorable treat for your loved ones, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to fall in love with just how friendly this ingredient list is! Each component plays a starring role, from the fruity base to the rich, creamy middle and that gorgeous, crisp topping. Don’t skip a thing—every one packs a punch for flavor, texture, or color!

• Yellow cake mix: The base for the golden, slightly crunchy topping—classic comfort in cake form.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps that cake mix bake into a dreamy, toasty crown.
• Strawberry pie filling: Ready-made magic—juicy, ruby red, and loaded with sweet berry flavor.
• Cream cheese (softened): The start of that cheesecake layer; its tang and creaminess are unbeatable.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten up the cream cheese and balance out the berries.
• Vanilla extract: The flavor booster that brings the whole cheesecake mixture to life—don’t skip it.
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Fluffy, creamy, and fabulous for that chilled cloud on top.
• Fresh strawberries (optional): For a finishing touch of color and freshness—totally irresistible sliced or whole.
• Powdered sugar (optional): A dusting before serving gives this cake a bakery finish—just a little goes a long way!

How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Mix the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is velvety smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula; just be sure there are no lumps. This step makes that signature creamy layer that sets The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake apart from typical dump cakes.

Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Grab your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread both cans of strawberry pie filling across the bottom. Make sure you even it out a bit; this way, there’ll be juicy strawberry in every bite, and that gorgeous red hue peeks through the top when you serve it.

Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Mixture

Spoon the cream cheese mixture gently over the strawberry filling. Don’t fuss if it’s not perfectly smooth; a rustic swirl looks lovely and means you’ll get delightful pockets of cheesecake flavor throughout The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix right over the cheesecake layer. No mixing needed—just sprinkle it all the way to the corners for an even topping that bakes up golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Pour the Melted Butter

Drizzle that luscious melted butter across the entire surface of the cake mix. Aim to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible—this is what helps transform the powdery topping into that toasty, golden crust that makes The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake completely irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. The aroma will fill your kitchen and you’ll know something magical is happening!

Step 7: Cool and Top

Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes to help set those luscious layers. If you like a firmer slice, chill in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just before serving, slather the top with whipped topping, and finish with fresh strawberries and a pretty dusting of powdered sugar.

How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

Dressing up The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is half the fun! Add plump, fresh strawberries—halved or whole—to the top just before serving for a splash of color and juicy freshness. A light snowfall of powdered sugar makes it look straight out of a bakery window. You can even add a few mint sprigs for an extra pop of green.

Side Dishes

This dessert is truly a star on its own, but if you’re building a dreamy dessert table, pair it with vanilla ice cream or a tangy lemon sorbet on the side. These cool, creamy sidekicks balance out the rich, fruity flavors of The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. For a tea or coffee gathering, serve with hot beverages to enhance the cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your dump cake into adorable individual servings by scooping it into pretty glass jars or parfait dishes—layer with extra whipped topping and strawberries for a party-worthy dessert. For picnics or potlucks, bake in a disposable tray and bring along the toppings for a build-your-own cake station. The possibilities for showing off The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow find yourself with leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days—just be aware, The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake tends to disappear quickly!

Freezing

Want to enjoy a slice later? You can freeze this cake! Simply cut into squares after cooling, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop cold squares into the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes. Always add the fresh garnishes after reheating for the perfect finish to your revived Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Absolutely! While strawberry makes this The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you can experiment with blueberry, cherry, or even mixed berry fillings. Each will create a unique and delicious twist on this crowd-pleaser.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the yellow cake mix with your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. All the other ingredients work as-is for a gluten-free treat that doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor or crave-worthy texture.

Do I need to bring the cream cheese to room temperature?

It’s best for the cream cheese to be softened to room temperature. This makes mixing much easier and helps create a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer with no lumps—just what you want in The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.

Can I use real whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream can definitely be used as the topping. Whip up heavy cream with a touch of sugar until it’s fluffy and soft, then dollop over the cooled cake for an even richer, more luxurious finish.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, because of the cream cheese and whipped topping layers, any leftovers of The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake should be refrigerated. Just cover and chill until you’re ready for that next heavenly slice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s big on flavor, dazzling to serve, and a total breeze to bake, you simply can’t go wrong with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Each bite delivers creamy, fruity, buttery magic—make it once, and prepare for friends and family to beg for it again and again. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and taste why it’s called “ultimate!”

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