Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe to Savor!
This irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake effortlessly combines the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the comforting sweetness of a classic dump cake. Featuring layers of rich cream cheese, vibrant strawberry pie filling, fresh berries, and a buttery cake topping, it’s a delightful dessert that’s incredibly easy to assemble yet delivers impressive flavor. Perfect for any occasion, it promises a spoonful of pure bliss.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45-50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
8-12 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Unbelievably simple to prepare with minimal effort, living up to its "dump cake" name.
- Combines the irresistible tang of cheesecake with sweet, juicy strawberries and a tender cake topping.
- Requires no fancy equipment or advanced baking skills, perfect for beginner bakers.
- A crowd-pleasing dessert that's ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.
- Offers a delightful contrast of textures, from creamy to soft to slightly crisp.
Ingredients
- 226 grams (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 100 grams (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 425 grams (15 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 150 grams (1 cup) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 432 grams (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (1 standard box)
- 113 grams (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 120 milliliters (½ cup) milk
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Ensuring your oven reaches the correct temperature beforehand is crucial for even baking and proper browning of the cake mix topping.
- Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy serving, especially with the creamy bottom layers.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat or mix with a spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps, achieving a light and airy texture for the cheesecake layer.
- Evenly spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a vibrant, fruity base for the cake.
- Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Distribute these dollops as evenly as possible; they will melt and spread slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy cheesecake throughout the dessert.
- Generously sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Next, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, followed by the milk, aiming to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. If using, sprinkle the optional cinnamon over the top at this stage to add a warm, aromatic note.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the cake (avoiding the wet fruit layer) comes out mostly clean. The edges should be bubbly and set.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy, and prevents the hot fruit filling from scalding.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium size)
- Spatula or spoon for spreading
- Whisk or electric mixer (optional, for cream cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure the cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends beautifully.
- When spreading the strawberry pie filling, try to make an even layer to ensure consistent fruit flavor in every bite.
- Distribute the melted butter and milk as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix to prevent dry spots and ensure a moist, rich topping.
- Resist the urge to open the oven door frequently, as this can affect baking consistency. Trust the baking time and visual cues.
- Allowing the cake to cool for the recommended time is crucial for the layers to set and for the flavors to meld, resulting in a cleaner scoop.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor and aroma, lightly toast the dry yellow cake mix in a pan for a few minutes before sprinkling it over the filling. This intensifies the nutty, buttery notes.
- Consider adding a pinch of lemon zest (about 2 grams or ½ teaspoon) to the cream cheese mixture. The citrus brightens the rich flavors and adds a subtle lift to the cheesecake element.
- To achieve a truly irresistible golden-brown and slightly crispy top, lightly dust the cake mix layer with an additional tablespoon of granulated sugar and a dash more cinnamon (if using) before drizzling the butter.
Notes
- This dump cake is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For a chocolate twist, swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix and add a few chocolate chips to the strawberry layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for their texture, you can use frozen sliced strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to prevent the cake from becoming too watery.
How do I know when the dump cake is fully cooked?
The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the edges should be bubbly. If you insert a toothpick into the cake topping (avoiding the wet fruit and cream cheese layers), it should come out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I prepare this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. Simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for starting from a cold temperature.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 6g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 55g, Sugar: 35g (These are rough estimates and can vary significantly based on brands and exact quantities).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, milk, butter) and gluten (yellow cake mix). For a gluten-free version, substitute with a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix. Always check ingredient labels for specific allergen information.
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