Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake 🍓🍰

Looking for a show-stopping, easy-to-make dessert that combines the best parts of cheesecake and cake? Look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this dessert is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. The combination of strawberry pie filling, whipped cream cheese, and a buttery cake mix crumble makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together—no need for fancy layers or long prep times. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients:

15.25 oz Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix
– The cake mix is the base of the crumble topping that gets all golden and crispy in the oven. You could swap this out with a yellow cake mix or even angel food cake mix for a lighter, airier texture, but vanilla provides a classic, sweet flavor that complements the fruity filling beautifully.
42 oz Strawberry Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each)
– This provides the juicy, sweet strawberry layer at the bottom. If you’re feeling adventurous and have some extra time, you could make homemade strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. But canned pie filling is fast and convenient, ensuring you get that delicious berry flavor without all the work.

8 oz Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese
– This adds that creamy cheesecake flavor that makes this cake feel extra indulgent. The whipped cream cheese melts into the cake and pie filling, adding a soft, tangy layer that elevates the flavor of the entire dessert. You could use regular cream cheese if you prefer, but whipped cream cheese blends in more easily.
8 tbsp (1/2 cup) Butter (melted)
– The melted butter combines with the cake mix to create a crumbly topping that bakes into a golden, crisp layer on top. It adds richness and a beautiful texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling underneath.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake cooks evenly and gives the topping the perfect golden color.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish:

Spray a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.

3. Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling:

Open the strawberry pie filling cans and pour the filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the strawberries cover the entire surface. This fruity layer forms the base of the dessert, and the sweetness will infuse the cake as it bakes.

4. Add Dollops of Whipped Cream Cheese:

Using a spoon, scoop out dollops of whipped cream cheese and spread it over the strawberry pie filling. Try to cover most of the filling with the cream cheese, but it doesn’t need to be perfect—this will melt into the filling as the cake bakes.

5. Make the Cake Topping:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it becomes crumbly. You’re looking for a consistency similar to coarse breadcrumbs or sand.
If you have any large chunks of dry cake mix, break them up with a spoon or spatula so that the topping is evenly crumbly.

6. Assemble the Cake:

Sprinkle the cake mixture over the top of the strawberry and cream cheese layers. Make sure it’s evenly distributed but don’t press it down too much. The crumble topping will form a crust as it bakes and absorb some of the strawberry juices, making each bite moist and flavorful.

7. Bake:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the sides are bubbling and the top is golden brown and crisp. If you prefer a more crunchy topping, you can bake for an extra 5-10 minutes, but be sure to check that the edges don’t burn.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once it’s done baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The cake is best served warm, but it’s still delicious at room temperature.
Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re feeling extra indulgent. The creamy, sweet layers and fruity strawberry filling are just begging for a topping!

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This cake can also be reheated in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert again.

Q&A

Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?

A: While fresh strawberries are delicious, strawberry pie filling is thicker and sweeter, and it has that jelly-like texture that helps the cake stay moist. If you use fresh strawberries, you would need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to thicken them into a filling-like consistency. The canned version makes this recipe super easy and quick.

Q: What if I don’t like cream cheese?

A: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can omit the cream cheese and instead use vanilla yogurt or whipped topping for a lighter version. The dessert will still be delicious and creamy, just without that cheesecake flavor.

Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

A: Absolutely! You can switch up the flavor of the cake mix for a fun twist. Strawberry cake mix, yellow cake mix, or even angel food cake mix would work wonderfully with the strawberry pie filling.

Q: Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

A: Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Be sure to check that the pie filling and cream cheese are also gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to double-check).

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

So Easy to Make: This recipe is as simple as dumping ingredients in layers and baking—no complicated steps, just quick and easy.
Incredibly Delicious: The combination of buttery cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberry filling is hard to beat. Each bite is a perfect balance of richness, tanginess, and sweetness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration like Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a random Tuesday when you need something sweet, this dessert is perfect for any time you want something easy and impressive.

Comforting and Decadent: This is the kind of dessert that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. The rich cake topping pairs so well with the juicy strawberries and creamy cheesecake, making it a comforting, indulgent treat.

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect combination of easy, delicious, and show-stopping! You can serve it to friends and family or enjoy it all on your own—it’s that good. Plus, it’s simple enough to make for last-minute gatherings or planned celebrations. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy! 🍓🍰