Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Ultimate Simple Dessert Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, look no further than this delightful strawberry cheesecake dump cake. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, combining the luscious sweetness of strawberry pie filling, the creamy richness of no-bake cheesecake, and the comforting crumble of a buttery cake mix topping. This recipe is an absolute dream for busy bakers or anyone who loves a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Who wouldn’t adore a dessert that’s as incredibly easy to assemble as it is irresistibly delicious?

This strawberry cheesecake dump cake perfectly marries the vibrant, fruity sweetness of strawberries with the decadent, smooth texture of cheesecake, all crowned with a golden, buttery, and slightly crunchy cake mix crust. It’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a lively party, bringing a dish to a casual potluck, or simply craving a sweet, comforting treat for a cozy night at home. With its straightforward preparation and maximum flavor impact, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite go-to dessert for its sheer simplicity and fantastic taste.

For me, this strawberry dump cheesecake embodies everything a perfect dessert should be: quick to prepare, incredibly simple to execute, and utterly irresistible in taste. It’s truly ideal for those moments when you need an impressive dish to share, but your schedule doesn’t permit hours of intricate baking. Dump cakes are a true lifesaver for anyone short on time, offering a stress-free baking experience. There are no complicated techniques to master, no elaborate steps to follow – just a simple process of layering your ingredients, baking, and then savoring every delightful bite! This strawberry dump cake is remarkably foolproof and consistently hits all the right notes for both flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, its vibrant appearance makes it a beautiful centerpiece on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this strawberry cheesecake dump cake, but its sheer ease and delightful taste stand out above all. Firstly, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly, requiring no advanced baking skills – just the ability to layer ingredients. Secondly, the combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake creates a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Thirdly, minimal cleanup is involved since everything comes together in one baking dish. Finally, the ability to customize with different fruit fillings or cake mixes means you can make this recipe your own, offering endless possibilities for variation. It’s a versatile dessert that saves time without sacrificing flavor, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is part of what makes it so simple. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert so irresistible.

• Strawberry Pie Filling: This forms the vibrant, sweet, and slightly tangy base of our dessert. Using canned pie filling is the secret to maximum convenience and consistent flavor. You’ll want two standard cans to ensure a generous, juicy layer. Its thick consistency helps prevent the cake mix from sinking too much, ensuring distinct layers.
• Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Filling: This pre-made filling is a game-changer, adding an incredibly creamy, rich, and tangy layer that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries. It eliminates the need for any complicated cheesecake preparation, simplifying the recipe immensely while still delivering authentic cheesecake flavor. One standard container is all you need for a delightful middle layer.
• White Cake Mix: This pantry staple is the magic behind the easy, crumbly, and wonderfully buttery cake topping. A standard box of white cake mix provides the perfect amount of dry mixture to create a golden, crisp crust when combined with butter. While white cake mix is recommended for its neutral flavor, vanilla or yellow cake mix can also be used for a slightly different, but equally delicious, profile.
• Butter (melted): Melted butter is crucial for transforming the dry cake mix into a rich, crumbly topping that bakes to a beautiful golden brown. It adds moisture, flavor, and contributes significantly to the delightful texture of the crust. Ensure your butter is fully melted but not boiling hot to combine easily with the cake mix. About half a cup (one stick) is usually perfect.

Simple Equipment You’ll Need

One of the joys of making a dump cake is the minimal equipment required. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe, allowing all the layers to spread evenly and bake perfectly. This size ensures consistent cooking and a good dessert-to-topping ratio for generous servings.
• Spoon: A sturdy spoon or rubber spatula is all you need for spreading the fruit filling and gently dolloping and smoothing the cheesecake layer. This tool helps ensure even distribution for a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is perfect for combining the dry cake mix with the melted butter. This creates the crumbly topping that will become the signature golden crust of your dump cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Creating this amazing dessert is as simple as following these straightforward steps. Each step builds upon the last, leading to a perfectly layered and baked treat.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cake goes in, promoting even baking and a perfectly golden crust.
2. Lay the Strawberry Base: Open both cans of strawberry pie filling and pour them directly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spoon to spread the filling evenly across the entire bottom. This will create a vibrant, fruity layer that bubbles up deliciously during baking.
3. Add the Creamy Cheesecake Layer: Spoon dollops of the Philadelphia no-bake cheesecake filling over the strawberry layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly smooth at this stage. Once you have several dollops, gently use the back of your spoon to spread the cheesecake filling across the strawberries. A perfectly even layer isn’t necessary; some strawberry peeking through adds to its rustic charm.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In your mixing bowl, pour in the white cake mix. Gradually add the melted butter, stirring with a fork or your fingers until the mixture comes together into a coarse, crumbly texture. It should resemble wet sand, with no large dry patches of cake mix remaining. Avoid overmixing; a crumbly consistency is key.
5. Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared cake mix and butter mixture over the strawberries and cheesecake layers. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure a delicious crust in every bite. The dry cake mix will absorb moisture from the fruit and cheesecake below, baking into a tender, buttery cake.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling around the edges is visibly bubbling. If the top starts browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Dump Cake

While dump cakes are known for their simplicity, a few tricks can elevate your strawberry cheesecake dump cake from good to absolutely phenomenal.

1. Don’t Overmix the Topping: The goal for the cake mix and butter mixture is a crumbly, sandy texture. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher crust. You want distinct crumbles that will bake into a tender, buttery topping.
2. Let It Rest and Cool: This is a crucial step for the best serving experience. Allowing the cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes after baking allows the layers to set properly. This makes for cleaner scoops and prevents the cake from being overly runny. For an even firmer set, let it cool completely before serving, especially if you prefer a less “dumped” appearance.
3. Evenly Distribute Topping: Make sure the cake mix and butter mixture is sprinkled as evenly as possible over the entire surface. This ensures a consistent golden crust across the whole dessert. Uneven distribution can lead to dry spots or areas that don’t crisp up properly.
4. Check for Doneness Visually: While timing is a guide, your eyes are the best tool. Look for a deep golden-brown color on the topping and active bubbling of the fruit filling around the edges of the dish. A toothpick inserted into the cake layer (if you can reach it without disturbing the fruit) should come out mostly clean.

Delightful Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about dump cakes is how incredibly adaptable they are! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your unique versions.

1. Mixed Berry Extravaganza: For a burst of diverse fruit flavors, simply swap out the strawberry pie filling for a mixed berry filling. Cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling would also work wonderfully, offering a new delightful twist to the classic.
2. Zesty Lemon Cheesecake: Introduce a bright, citrusy zing by using lemon pie filling instead of strawberry. The tartness of the lemon combined with the creamy cheesecake and buttery crust is incredibly refreshing and perfect for summer. You could also use a lemon-flavored cake mix for an extra citrus kick.
3. Decadent Chocolate Strawberry: Elevate this dessert to a new level of indulgence by adding a layer of chocolate chips over the cheesecake filling before sprinkling the cake mix. You could also use a chocolate cake mix for the topping for an even richer experience, creating a dessert reminiscent of chocolate-covered strawberries.
4. Gluten-Free Option: To cater to dietary needs, simply substitute the regular white cake mix with your favorite gluten-free white or vanilla cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if strict adherence is required. The texture will be very similar, allowing everyone to enjoy this treat.
5. Nutty Crunch Topping: For added texture and flavor, finely chop a handful of pecans or walnuts and mix them into the cake mix and butter topping before sprinkling. This adds a lovely nutty crunch that complements the fruit and creaminess beautifully.
6. Tropical Twist: Consider using pineapple pie filling as the base and a coconut-flavored cake mix for a tropical-inspired dump cake. This would be fantastic for a summer gathering!

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Dump Cake

This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

1. A generous scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly into the warm cake, creating an unforgettable experience.
2. A cloud of freshly whipped cream. The lightness of the whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the cheesecake and the density of the cake.
3. A delightful drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. These sauces add another layer of sweetness and complexity, making each bite even more luxurious.
4. Fresh berries, such as a few extra strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, for a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dump Cakes

Here are some common questions you might have when making your strawberry cheesecake dump cake, along with helpful answers to ensure your success.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you absolutely can! However, using fresh strawberries requires a bit more preparation. You’ll need to slice them and then cook them down with sugar, a touch of cornstarch (for thickening), and a splash of lemon juice to create a filling-like consistency. This step ensures they release their juices and thicken adequately, preventing a watery cake. Aim for a texture similar to canned pie filling before layering.

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

You’ll know your dump cake is perfectly baked when the top crust has turned a beautiful golden brown. Additionally, you should see the fruit filling actively bubbling around the edges of the baking dish. These visual cues indicate that the cake mix has cooked through and the fruit layer is hot and delicious.

Can I prepare this dump cake ahead of time?

While the assembly is quick, you can certainly prepare the layers a few hours in advance and keep the unbaked dish covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it closer to room temperature before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed, as it will be starting colder.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

For an even crispier topping, you can lightly toast the dry cake mix in a skillet for a few minutes before mixing it with the butter. Alternatively, once the cake is almost done, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

Storing and Reheating Your Dump Cake

To keep your strawberry cheesecake dump cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for approximately 30-40 seconds, or until warmed through. For a crispier crust when reheating, you can warm it in a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

It’s important to note that this particular recipe does not freeze well. The cheesecake filling can become watery or grainy upon thawing, and the cake mix topping may lose its desirable texture. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy this delightful dessert within a few days of baking for the optimal taste and consistency.

More Irresistible Strawberry Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you love the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries, here are some other fantastic recipes featuring this beloved fruit that you might want to try next:

1. Strawberry Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
2. Funfetti Strawberry Fudge
3. Puff Pastry Strawberry Pinwheels
4. Jam Filled Donuts with Strawberry Jam

Yield and Scaling Your Recipe

This delightful strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe is designed to yield approximately 15 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings, parties, or when you simply want to have plenty of delicious dessert on hand. If you need to scale the recipe up for a larger crowd or down for a smaller, more intimate setting, simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. The recipe card provided below offers a convenient way to calculate the new measurements based on your desired number of servings, ensuring you get perfect results every time.

We hope you’ve loved discovering this easy, delicious dessert! Give it a try soon and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you. Your feedback and baking adventures inspire us. Don’t forget to sign up for more effortless and scrumptious recipes like this straight to your inbox. Happy baking!

Strawberry cheesecake dump cake

Try this strawberry cheesecake dump cake made with pie filling, no-bake cheesecake, and cake mix. Easy and delicious, the perfect simple dessert!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 15 servings

Calories 207 kcal