The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Indulge in the effortless delight of The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a dessert that masterfully blends the creamy tang of cheesecake with the sweet burst of strawberries, all nestled on a tender yellow cake base. This incredibly easy recipe requires minimal effort, yielding maximum flavor and an irresistible texture that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 35 minutes (includes cooling)
Servings
10-12 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Incredibly easy to assemble with minimal fuss, perfect for beginners or busy bakers.
- Combines the beloved flavors of strawberry and cheesecake in one irresistible dessert.
- Creates a delightful contrast of textures: tender cake, creamy cheesecake, and juicy fruit.
- A crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive but takes little effort.
- Versatile and can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it suitable for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 box (approximately 432g or 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cans (595g or 21 oz each, total 1190g) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (226g or 8 oz each, total 452g) cream cheese, softened
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 1 container (226g or 8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Approximately 150g (1 cup) fresh strawberries, halved or whole (optional for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps, ensuring a velvety cheesecake layer.
- Open both cans of strawberry pie filling. Pour the entire contents of both cans evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it gently with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Carefully spoon dollops of the prepared cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling layer. Then, using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, gently spread the cheesecake mixture to cover the strawberry layer as much as possible, aiming for an even distribution.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the cheesecake layer. Try to get an even coating across the entire surface; avoid clumping.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix layer. Ensure that the butter covers as much of the cake mix surface as possible. This butter is crucial for creating the delicious, crumbly topping during baking.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake part (avoiding the wet fruit or cream cheese layers) should come out mostly clean.
- Once baked, remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. If you desire firmer layers and easier slicing, you can chill the cake in the refrigerator for an additional 1-2 hours after it has cooled slightly.
- Just before serving, generously spread the thawed whipped topping over the cooled cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries, halved or whole, and an optional dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.
- Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy this delightful, simple dessert!
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, uniform cheesecake layer.
- When drizzling the melted butter, try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. This helps create a wonderfully crisp and golden topping.
- Do not overmix the cream cheese mixture; just beat until smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a less dense cheesecake layer.
- Allow adequate cooling time. While it's tempting to dig in immediately, cooling allows the layers to set properly, enhancing both texture and flavor.
- For the best presentation, add the whipped topping and fresh strawberry garnish just before serving.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the flavor profile by adding a hint of lemon zest (about 5ml or 1 teaspoon) to your cream cheese mixture. The citrus brightens the cheesecake and complements the strawberries beautifully.
- For an extra layer of decadence, lightly toast about 50g (1/2 cup) of slivered almonds or chopped pecans and sprinkle them over the top of the cake mix before drizzling the butter. This adds a delightful nutty crunch.
- Experiment with a different pie filling, like cherry or blueberry, for a quick and easy variation, adapting the fresh fruit garnish accordingly.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover dump cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm slice of dump cake is an exceptional treat.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and chilled. Add whipped topping and fresh strawberries just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for garnish?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and appearance, you can use thawed frozen strawberries for garnish if fresh ones are unavailable. Be aware they might release more liquid.
What if my cake mix doesn't completely get wet from the butter?
It's common for some dry spots of cake mix to remain. These will bake into delicious, slightly chewy patches, adding to the dump cake's rustic charm. Don't worry about covering every single speck.
Can I make this recipe in a different sized dish?
A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish is ideal for the given quantities. Using a smaller dish might result in overflowing, and a larger dish could make the layers too thin. Adjusting baking time may be necessary if you change the dish size.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450-500 per serving, Fat: 25-30g, Carbs: 55-60g, Protein: 4-6g. (Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact portion sizes.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, butter, whipped topping) and gluten (yellow cake mix). For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix. Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
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