This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake topping. It’s incredibly easy to make because you simply layer the ingredients—no complicated cake batter required.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10–12
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) strawberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15–16 oz / 425–450 g) white or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the fresh strawberries and remove the stems.
Slice them into thin or medium-sized pieces.
If the strawberries are particularly juicy, gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Layer
Open the strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Scatter the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the pie filling.
Try to distribute them from edge to edge so every serving gets some strawberry flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
Add:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened. Cold cream cheese can make the mixture lumpy.
Step 5: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Drop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
Gently spread the mixture as evenly as possible.
It doesn’t have to completely cover the strawberries—the layers will blend slightly as the cake bakes.
Step 6: Add the Dry Cake Mix
Open the cake mix and sprinkle it dry and evenly over the entire surface.
Do not prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
Important: Do not stir or mix the layers.
Step 7: Add the Melted Butter
Melt the butter and slowly drizzle it over the dry cake mix.
Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
If there are a few dry spots, don’t worry. The butter and moisture from the filling will help the topping bake.
Tip: For a more evenly golden topping, you can use slightly more butter if needed, but avoid making the cake excessively greasy.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40–50 minutes.
The dump cake is ready when:
- The top is golden brown.
- The strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- The cake topping looks cooked and crisp.
If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Step 9: Cool Slightly
Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.
This allows the strawberry filling and cheesecake layer to set slightly.
Step 10: Serve
Spoon the warm strawberry cheesecake dump cake into bowls.
For an extra-special dessert, serve it with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh sliced strawberries
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
Helpful Tips for the Best Dump Cake
Use softened cream cheese: It creates a smoother cheesecake layer.
Don’t mix the layers: The magic of a dump cake comes from layering the ingredients without stirring.
Distribute the butter: Drizzle it as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix for a crisp, golden topping.
Let it rest: Giving the cake 15–20 minutes to cool makes it easier to serve.
How to Store Leftovers
Because this dessert contains cream cheese and fruit filling, cover leftovers and refrigerate them.
Enjoy within 3–4 days for the best quality.
Final Result
You’ll get a warm dessert with juicy strawberry filling on the bottom, creamy cheesecake in the middle, and a buttery golden cake topping—with very little preparation.