Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Introduction

Indulge in the luscious, creamy delight of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake—a dessert that brings together the rich tang of cheesecake, the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, and the comforting ease of a dump cake. This no-fuss, oven-baked treat is perfect for busy bakers, last-minute gatherings, or anyone craving a decadent dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant fruity flavor, this cake delivers all the satisfaction of homemade baking with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will become your go-to recipe for potlucks, family dinners, holidays, or just because it’s Tuesday.

The History

Dump cakes, as their name suggests, are all about simplicity—literally “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do the magic. The concept originated in the mid-20th century in the United States, during the rise of convenience foods and the popularity of canned goods. Home cooks embraced recipes that used pantry staples like canned fruit, cake mixes, and canned frosting to create delicious desserts with minimal prep time. Over the decades, dump cakes evolved from humble fruit-based versions into creative concoctions blending flavors like chocolate, caramel, and even cheesecake elements.

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a modern twist on this classic idea, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the juicy sweetness of strawberries. It bridges the gap between traditional baked cheesecakes—which require careful water baths and lengthy cooling times—and quick, rustic desserts. This hybrid version captures the essence of both worlds: the luxurious taste of a New York-style cheesecake and the effortless preparation of a cobbler or crisp. Today, thanks to social media and food blogs, variations of this recipe have gained widespread popularity, especially among home bakers looking for crowd-pleasing desserts that don’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

The beauty of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simple yet harmonious blend of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture:

Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese forms the creamy base of the cheesecake layer, providing richness and a smooth, velvety texture. It’s essential for achieving that authentic cheesecake flavor without needing eggs or a crust.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds moisture and richness while helping to create a tender crumb in the final cake. Melted butter also helps bind the dry ingredients together.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract deepens the flavor profile, adding warmth and aroma to the cheesecake mixture.
Eggs: Though not always used in traditional dump cakes, some enriched versions include eggs to stabilize the cheesecake layer and improve its structure.
Strawberry Pie Filling: This is the star of the show—either store-bought or homemade thick strawberry pie filling provides consistent texture and intense berry flavor. It bubbles up during baking, creating a jammy, glossy topping.
Yellow Cake Mix: The dry cake mix acts as the topping, transforming into a golden, slightly crisp crust when baked. It absorbs the juices from the strawberries and melds with the melted butter to form a soft, cake-like layer.
Chopped Fresh Strawberries (Optional): For an extra burst of freshness and color, fresh strawberries can be layered beneath or mixed into the pie filling.
Whipped Cream or Whipped Topping: Used as a garnish, it adds lightness and contrasts the dense, creamy layers underneath.
Additional Toppings: Sliced almonds, white chocolate chips, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup can elevate both appearance and taste.

These ingredients work together to create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts—creamy, fruity, buttery, and utterly irresistible.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the dish goes in.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish thoroughly with non-stick spray or softened butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces (2 packages) of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.
Spread the Cheesecake Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. This creates a solid foundation for the other layers.
Add the Strawberry Layer: Spoon 2 cans (approx. 21 oz each) of strawberry pie filling over the cheesecake base. Gently spread it out, leaving small gaps if desired so the cheesecake layer peeks through. For enhanced freshness, fold in 1 cup of chopped ripe strawberries before spreading.
Top with Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle one box (approx. 15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix over the strawberry layer. Do not stir—this is key to forming the signature crumble-top texture.
Add Butter Topping: Cut ½ cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter into thin slices and distribute evenly over the cake mix. As it melts in the oven, the butter will seep down and hydrate the dry mix, forming a soft, cakey crust.
Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the dump cake cool for at least 30 minutes. This allows the layers to settle and makes slicing cleaner.
Serve Warm or Chilled: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, or chill in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

Tips

Softened Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs to the cream cheese mixture, mix only until incorporated. Overbeating can introduce too much air, leading to cracks during baking.
Use Cold Butter on Top: Placing cold butter slices on top helps control melting, ensuring gradual absorption into the cake mix rather than pooling.
Avoid Stirring Layers: Resist the temptation to stir the cake mix into the strawberries—it’s meant to stay dry initially and transform during baking.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at 40 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
Enhance Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the cheesecake layer for a subtle nutty depth that complements strawberries beautifully.
Drain Excess Liquid: If using fresh strawberries, pat them dry or lightly drain any juice to prevent a soggy cake.
Double the Recipe: This dessert scales well! Use a larger roasting pan and double all ingredients for a party-sized treat.

Variations and Customizations

One of the greatest advantages of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is its versatility. Here are several creative twists to suit different tastes and occasions:

Seasonal Fruit Swaps: Replace strawberry pie filling with cherry, blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for a seasonal spin. Try mixed berry pie filling in summer or spiced apple in fall.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Swap the yellow cake mix for devil’s food cake mix and add a layer of chocolate chips between the cheesecake and fruit for a chocolate-strawberry fusion.
White Chocolate & Almond: Stir white chocolate chips into the cake mix layer and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, use plant-based butter, and choose a vegan cake mix. Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water).
Mini Individual Servings: Prepare the recipe in mason jars or ramekins for adorable single-serve desserts—perfect for parties or gifts.
Layered Parfait Style: Skip baking and turn it into a no-bake trifle: layer cream cheese mixture, crushed graham crackers, and fresh strawberries in glasses for a refreshing alternative.
Luxury Upgrade: Infuse the strawberry layer with a splash of Grand Marnier, Chambord, or limoncello for an adult-friendly version.
Crust Addition: Press a graham cracker crust into the bottom before adding the cheesecake layer for a more traditional cheesecake feel.
Frozen Fruit Hack: In off-seasons, use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or frozen pie filling—just adjust baking time slightly.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is undeniably delicious, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: ~450–550 kcal
Total Fat: 20–28g (including 12g saturated fat)
Carbohydrates: 60–70g (with 40–50g sugars)
Protein: 4–6g
Sodium: 300–400mg
Calcium: Moderate (from dairy ingredients)

Considerations:

Sugar Content: High due to cake mix, pie filling, and added sugar. Diabetics or those monitoring blood sugar should consume sparingly or explore sugar substitutes.
Dairy Sensitivity: Contains cream cheese, butter, and milk-based cake mix. Lactose-intolerant individuals may need alternatives.
Portion Control: Serve in smaller portions and pair with fresh fruit or a green salad to balance the meal.
Healthier Swaps: Use low-sugar pie filling, reduced-fat cream cheese, and a whole-grain or protein-enriched cake mix to reduce calories and boost nutrition.
Occasional Treat: Best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily dessert.

Ingredients

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus ½ cup cold, sliced)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (optional)
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
Whipped cream or whipped topping, for serving
Additional fresh strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Spoon strawberry pie filling (and fresh strawberries, if using) over the cream cheese layer. Spread gently.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir.
Place slices of cold butter evenly across the surface.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dump cake (except baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if going from cold to oven.

Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

Why is my dump cake soggy?
This usually happens if too much liquid is present. Make sure to use thick pie filling (not regular jam) and avoid adding excess juice from fresh fruit.

Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Vanilla, butter pecan, or strawberry cake mix also work well. Avoid overly moist mixes like carrot cake unless adjusted.

Do I have to use eggs?
Eggs help stabilize the cheesecake layer. If omitting, the texture will be softer and less firm—still tasty, but more pudding-like.

How long does it keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Can I make it without artificial ingredients?
Yes—choose an organic cake mix, homemade pie filling, and natural vanilla to minimize processed components.

Summary

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a heavenly fusion of creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and buttery cake—all with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, this dessert delivers restaurant-quality indulgence straight from your oven.