If you love the creamy richness of cheesecake and the bright, juicy sweetness of strawberries, you’re going to adore this dessert. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake takes all the best elements of a classic strawberry cheesecake and transforms them into an easy-bake dessert that takes just minutes to prepare — no fancy skills required. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, summer gatherings, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special but doesn’t take all afternoon to make.
This dessert lives up to its name: you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The result is a golden, bubbly fruit filling beneath a tender, cake-like topping that is rich and satisfying in every bite. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this cake hits all the right notes.
Let’s walk through how to make it, tips for the best results, and a few fun ways to make it your own.
Ingredients :
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious strawberry dessert:
For the Filling
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries sweetened with sugar
These provide that juicy, fruit-forward base. - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
This gives the cheesecake layer its rich, creamy texture.
For the Cake Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
This becomes the soft, golden topping. - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Pouring melted butter over the dry cake mix helps create a tender, moist crumb.
Optional Enhancements
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor. - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Brings brightness that complements the strawberries. - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional, but gives a subtle spice note that pairs beautifully.
Step-by-Step Directions :
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. If you like, add the vanilla extract and lemon zest at this stage for extra flavor. Spread the smooth cream cheese evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
This layer adds the classic “cheesecake” richness without needing a separate crust.
3. Add the Fruit
Spoon the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. If you’re using fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling, toss them with a bit of sugar first and spread them out evenly.
The fruit juices will bubble and mingle with the cake layer as it bakes.
4. Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the entire dry yellow cake mix over the strawberries. Don’t worry about smoothing it perfectly — the fruit and butter will naturally sink and settle as it bakes.
5. Add the Butter
Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible. The butter soaks into the dry mix and creates a tender, golden cake topping as it bakes.
6. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake layer should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
The aroma filling your kitchen now should be sweet and inviting.
7. Cool Slightly
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set a bit so you can scoop neat servings.
Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature cream cheese. This helps it spread smoothly and bake evenly.
- If your pie filling is extra juicy, place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer less sweet desserts, use fresh strawberries with a lighter sprinkling of sugar instead of pie filling.
- Check halfway through baking. If the top seems to be browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
- For extra texture, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the top before baking.
Delicious Variations to Try
Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Swap half of the strawberry filling for blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a vibrant mixed berry version.
Chocolate Strawberry Twist
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the fruit layer before adding the cake mix for a chocolate-strawberry combination.
Lemon Strawberry Cobbler
Add 2–3 tablespoons of lemon juice and an extra teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy punch.
Caramel Drizzle
Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a richer, dessert-style treat.
Serving Ideas
This cake is delightful on its own, but it’s even better with a little something extra:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Fresh sliced strawberries for brightness
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- A spoonful of fruit compote for even more decadence
Serve warm for a gooey, comforting dessert, or chill it and enjoy it with cold cream on a warm day.
Conclusion :
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and a straightforward method can produce a dessert that feels luxurious and nostalgic at the same time. It brings together the sweet tang of strawberries, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the familiar warmth of a tender cake topping in a single, crowd-pleasing dish.
Whether you bake it for weekend brunch, family dinner, or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to disappear quickly and leave everyone asking for seconds. Its ease of preparation — literally dumping layers into a single pan — makes it perfect for busy cooks who want big flavor without a lot of fuss.
This dessert is flexible too: you can customize it with variations, add your favorite toppings, or adapt it with seasonal fruit throughout the year. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld and settle.
So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s sweet, comforting, and wonderfully satisfying. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake isn’t just baking — it’s memory-making in every warm, delicious bite.
