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This strawberry cheesecake dump cake combines the best of two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The contrast between the tangy cream cheese layer, sweet strawberry filling, and buttery cake topping creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
I first made this dump cake for a last minute neighborhood potluck when I had zero time to prepare. It received more compliments than desserts that took hours to make, and now it's my go to recipe when I need something impressive with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Strawberry pie filling: Provides the perfect sweet fruit base without any chopping or preparing fresh berries
- Cream cheese: Creates that classic cheesecake tang and creamy texture use full fat for best results
- Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cream cheese look for fine granulated for smooth mixing
- Milk: Thins the cream cheese mixture to the perfect consistency whole milk works best
- Vanilla or yellow cake mix: Forms the effortless golden topping choose a quality brand for best flavor
- Butter: Transforms the dry cake mix into a crisp buttery crumble use unsalted for better flavor control
- Fresh strawberries: Optional but add a pop of color and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your baking dish, making sure to get into all corners. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later.
- Create the Strawberry Base:
- Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Take time to ensure it reaches the corners for consistent fruit in every bite.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and milk. Beat until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This typically takes 2 to 3 minutes of vigorous mixing. The mixture should have a pourable but still thick consistency.
- Layer the Cheesecake:
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. Rather than trying to spread it, which can mix with the strawberry filling, place spoonfuls across the surface. The heat from baking will help it spread naturally.
- Add the Cake Layer:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the previous layers, covering them completely. Resist the urge to mix it in this is what creates the magic of a dump cake.
- Finish with Butter:
- Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible. This creates the golden crumbly topping as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges these are your visual cues that the cake is done.
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The cream cheese layer is what truly elevates this from a regular dump cake to something special. I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed something that felt special but required minimal effort. Now my family requests it for almost every gathering, and I love how something so simple brings them so much joy.
Make It Your Own
This dump cake is incredibly versatile and welcomes adaptation. Try swapping the strawberry filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling depending on the season or your preference. Each variation creates an entirely new dessert experience while maintaining the same easy preparation method.
Serving Suggestions
While this dump cake is delicious on its own, it transforms into an extraordinary dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold topping creates a sensory experience that guests will remember. For special occasions, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant presentation.
Storage Tips
This dump cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese layer. Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually continue to develop and meld together, making day two sometimes even better than day one. For longer storage, individual portions can be frozen for up to 3 months just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the strawberry pie filling?
Yes, you can use cherry or blueberry pie filling for a delicious variation.
- → Do I need to mix the dry cake mix into the layers?
No, simply sprinkle the dry cake mix over the filling and let the butter do the work while baking.
- → How should I serve this dessert?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can garnish with fresh strawberries for extra flair.
- → Can I add toppings for more texture?
Yes, chopped nuts or shredded coconut can be added to the cake mix before baking for extra crunch.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat-based ingredients.