Description: This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert mashup! Imagine the ease of a dump cake combined with the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake, all bursting with sweet strawberry flavor. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and yielding a surprisingly impressive result. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight desserts, or anytime you crave a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a go-to dessert option for unexpected guests or a last-minute craving. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (such as Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker)
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling (ensure it’s a good quality brand for optimal flavor)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats (cold butter is key for the dump cake texture)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking and ensuring easy serving. Using parchment paper lining the bottom of the dish is also a great option for super easy cleanup.
Step 2: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it covers the entire surface to provide a flavorful base for the cake. Distribute it smoothly to ensure even baking and avoid overly concentrated pockets of filling.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. Beat for at least 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling in the baking dish. Try to distribute the cream cheese in relatively even portions to ensure you get a good balance of cheesecake flavor in every bite. Don’t worry about covering the entire strawberry filling; the beauty of this cake is in the layers and textures.
Step 5: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Distribute it as evenly as possible to avoid dry patches in the final cake. Gently pat it down if necessary, but avoid mixing it with the strawberry or cream cheese layers. The dry cake mix will bake into a delicious, slightly crumbly topping.
Step 6: Arrange the thin pats of butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This is where the magic happens! The butter melts during baking, creating a golden-brown, buttery crust on top of the cake. Make sure the butter pats are evenly spaced to ensure uniform coverage and browning.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly around the edges. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. This allows the cake to set and the flavors to meld together. Cooling also makes it easier to cut and serve the cake neatly. If you’re impatient, you can chill it in the refrigerator for a quicker cooling process.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you can have a delicious dessert ready in under an hour. The “dump cake” method eliminates the need for precise measurements and complicated mixing techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. The combination of sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake filling, and buttery yellow cake topping is simply irresistible. The contrasting textures and flavors create a delightful experience that everyone will enjoy. It is easily customizable. You can swap out the strawberry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry, cherry, or apple. You can also add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cake mix for added flavor and texture. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable to your preferences. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. Everyone will be impressed by the delicious taste and the minimal effort required to make it.
COOKING Rating EASY
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative to ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
Tips:
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Use good quality strawberry pie filling for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the cake, as it can become dry.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter. To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using it in the recipe.
- Add a streusel topping for extra crunch. Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup oats, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the cake mix before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45-50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate) (This will vary greatly depending on specific brands and ingredients used)
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 5-7g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and incredibly simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation combined with its delicious flavor profile makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of the sweet strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and buttery cake topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy and rewarding. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the sweet success of this effortless dessert! It is also very easy to double this recipe to cater for a larger group of people.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this dump cake recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute the strawberry pie filling with any flavor you prefer, such as blueberry, cherry, apple, or even peach. Each flavor will create a unique twist on the classic recipe, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. Using a sugar-free pie filling is a good option, if you are trying to cut down on the sugar.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Yes, you can! While yellow cake mix is the standard choice for this recipe, you can also use white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even spice cake mix. Chocolate cake mix would also be delicious, especially when paired with cherry pie filling. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake mix will affect the overall taste of the dessert, so choose one that complements the pie filling you’re using.
Q3: How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?
A: The key to preventing a dry cake is to ensure that the butter is evenly distributed over the cake mix. The melting butter creates moisture and a buttery crust. Also, be careful not to overbake the cake. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Letting it cool completely also helps to retain moisture.
Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after it has had a chance to sit and the flavors have melded together. Simply bake the cake as directed, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve it cold or reheat it slightly before serving.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding nuts is a great way to add extra flavor and texture to this dump cake. You can sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake mix before baking. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture for a nutty cheesecake filling. Just be sure to chop the nuts finely so they don’t overpower the other flavors.
