The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

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If you’re looking for an easy yet indulgent dessert, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a dream come true. With layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry filling, and a buttery crumbly topping, every bite is pure bliss. The best part? It requires minimal effort—no complicated steps, just simple layering and baking.

I love making this cake for gatherings because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tart strawberries, rich cream cheese, and a golden, buttery cake topping creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Effortless to Make – No need for fancy techniques or baking skills. Just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.
• Rich & Creamy – The combination of cheesecake and buttery cake creates an irresistibly smooth and crumbly texture.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or weekend treat, this dessert always impresses.
• Customizable – You can switch up the flavors with different fruit fillings, cake mixes, or toppings to make it your own.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

For this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a classic vanilla or yellow cake mix works best. It provides a buttery and slightly sweet base that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake layer and the tart strawberries. If you prefer a richer flavor, a butter pecan or French vanilla mix will add extra depth. For a more intense strawberry taste, you can use a strawberry cake mix, but be mindful that it might make the dessert sweeter.

No matter which cake mix you choose, make sure to use a dry mix—do not prepare it according to the box instructions. The dry mix combines with the butter during baking, creating a golden, crumbly topping that makes this dessert irresistible.

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Options for Substitutions

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy substitutions to try:

• Fruit Filling Variations – Swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or raspberry for a different flavor twist.
• Cake Mix Alternatives – Instead of vanilla or yellow cake mix, try white cake mix for a lighter taste or spice cake for a hint of warmth.
• Cream Cheese Swap – If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone is a great substitute for a similar creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative – Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Add Some Crunch – Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, or sliced almonds on top for an extra crunchy texture.

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Ingredients for This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Strawberry Pie Filling – This provides the sweet and tangy fruit base of the cake. The strawberries add a juicy, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake layer.
• Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the fruit and cake mix. It also gives the dessert that signature cheesecake flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This enhances the cream cheese mixture with extra sweetness and smoothness, making the cheesecake layer irresistibly silky.
• Vanilla Extract – Just a splash deepens the flavor, giving the cheesecake layer a warm and aromatic touch.
• Yellow or Vanilla Cake Mix – The dry cake mix creates the golden, buttery topping that makes dump cakes so delicious. It absorbs moisture from the filling and butter, forming a soft yet crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted butter is poured over the dry cake mix, ensuring it bakes into a crisp and buttery topping. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dessert.
• Fresh Strawberries (Optional for Topping) – Garnishing the cake with fresh strawberries enhances its appearance and adds a burst of freshness to every bite.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional for Dusting) – A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the cake a pretty, bakery-style finish.

With just these simple ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite!

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Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

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Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Evenly spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you want extra fresh strawberry flavor, you can mix in a handful of chopped fresh strawberries at this stage.

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Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture over the strawberry filling, spreading it out gently to cover most of the surface.

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Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry yellow or vanilla cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer. Do not mix or stir—just spread it out to create a consistent topping.

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Step 5: Add the Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible. This will help the topping bake into a golden, crumbly crust. If some dry spots remain, don’t worry—they will absorb moisture while baking.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If the top isn’t browning evenly, you can gently rotate the dish halfway through baking.

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Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or let it chill in the fridge for a firmer cheesecake texture. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.

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How Long to Cook the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so check for these signs of doneness:

• The top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
• The edges are bubbling, indicating that the strawberry and cheesecake layers are fully heated through.
• The center is set, though it may still be slightly soft from the cheesecake filling (it will firm up more as it cools).

If the top isn’t browning evenly, you can leave it in for an additional 5-10 minutes or place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

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Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – This ensures a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Don’t Stir the Layers – The magic of a dump cake comes from layering ingredients without mixing. This creates the perfect contrast between the creamy cheesecake, fruit, and crispy topping.
• Evenly Distribute the Butter – Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix. This helps create a golden crust instead of dry patches.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – While tempting to dig in immediately, letting the cake cool for at least 15 minutes allows the layers to set properly.
• Customize with Extras – Add crushed graham crackers for a more classic cheesecake feel, or sprinkle white chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence.
• For a Firmer Texture – Chill the cake for a few hours in the refrigerator. This makes the cheesecake layer more structured and easier to slice.

Following these tips ensures your dump cake comes out perfectly every time!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using Cold Cream Cheese – If your cream cheese isn’t softened, it won’t blend smoothly, leading to lumps in the cheesecake layer.
• Mixing the Layers – Dump cakes rely on layering, so resist the urge to stir! Mixing will change the texture and prevent the layers from baking properly.
• Not Spreading the Butter Evenly – Dry spots in the cake mix happen when the butter isn’t distributed properly. If needed, lightly tilt the pan to help spread the butter or add a few extra small pats of butter on top before baking.
• Overbaking or Undercooking – If the top is browning too quickly while the center is still soft, loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
• Skipping the Cooling Time – Cutting into the cake too soon will make the layers fall apart. Letting it sit for 15-20 minutes helps everything firm up.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll end up with a beautifully layered, perfectly baked dessert!

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What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

This dessert is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fruity, and crunchy layers of the dump cake.

2. Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to balance the rich cheesecake layer.

3. Fresh Strawberries

Sliced fresh strawberries enhance the fruity flavor and add a burst of natural sweetness.

4. Powdered Sugar Dusting

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar makes the cake look elegant and adds a slight sweetness without overpowering it.

5. Caramel or White Chocolate Drizzle

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel or melted white chocolate over the top before serving.

6. Graham Cracker Crumbs

Sprinkling graham cracker crumbs on top gives it a more authentic cheesecake feel and adds a slight crunch.

7. A Cup of Coffee or Tea

The rich flavors of this dessert pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

8. Greek Yogurt or Crème Fraîche

If you want a tangy contrast, a spoonful of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche complements the sweetness beautifully.

These serving ideas will help you turn your dump cake into an unforgettable dessert experience!

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case because it’s so delicious!), you’ll want to store your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake properly to keep it fresh.

• Refrigeration – Since this cake contains cream cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – You can freeze this cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven Method (Best for Crisp Topping) – Warm the cake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore its texture.
• Microwave (For a Quick Fix) – Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds until warm. Note that the topping may be softer when reheated this way.

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Estimated Nutrition

The following nutrition estimate is based on a single serving (assuming 12 servings per dish). Keep in mind that variations in ingredients and portion sizes can affect the values.

• Calories: ~380
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 5g

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is definitely an indulgent treat, but it’s worth every bite! If you want to lighten it up, you can use a sugar-free cake mix, reduced-fat cream cheese, or a smaller amount of sweetened condensed milk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! If you prefer to use fresh strawberries, mix about 4 cups of chopped strawberries with ½ cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to create a thickened filling. Let it sit for 10 minutes before layering it into the dish.

2. Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness to the cheesecake layer, but if you want a less sweet version, you can use heavy cream mixed with 2 tablespoons of sugar instead.

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! Yellow or vanilla cake mix works best, but you can experiment with white, butter pecan, strawberry, or even chocolate cake mix for a unique twist.

4. How do I make this dessert less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, use unsweetened frozen strawberries instead of pie filling and opt for less condensed milk or a sugar-free cake mix.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the layers a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. If baked ahead of time, store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

6. Why is my cake mix still dry after baking?

This happens if the butter wasn’t evenly distributed. Try adding a few extra small pats of butter over the dry spots and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours until bubbly and set. The texture will be softer than the oven-baked version but just as delicious.

8. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

This cake is delicious warm or chilled. For extra indulgence, top it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors—all in an easy-to-make dessert! Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends! They’ll love how simple and delicious it is.

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