Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert! It combines the fruity sweetness of strawberries, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the comforting flavor of cake, all with minimal effort. No mixing bowls or complicated steps are required – just dump, bake, and devour! It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a quick and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box (15-18 oz / 425-510 g) vanilla or white cake mix
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: fresh strawberries or powdered sugar for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Strawberry Layer
Pour the can of strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom to create a nice, consistent layer.
Step 3: Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. You can use a fork or spoon to mix it until it’s mostly smooth, but it’s okay if there are still some small lumps of cream cheese. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Distribute them as best you can so that the cheesecake flavor is present throughout the cake.
Step 4: Cake Mix Layer
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake and strawberry layers. Make sure to cover the entire surface. Do not stir or mix any of the layers together. The dry cake mix will bake on top, creating a delicious, crumbly topping.
Step 5: Butter Layer
Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to distribute it as uniformly as possible so that the cake mix is thoroughly moistened. This will help create a golden-brown and buttery crust.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean (though it might have some strawberry filling on it).
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to Make: It requires minimal effort and time.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberries, cheesecake, and cake is irresistible.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit with family and friends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cake, as it can become dry.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- For a richer flavor, use a yellow cake mix instead of vanilla or white.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the topping for extra crunch.
- You can substitute other pie fillings, such as blueberry, cherry, or apple.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 5-7g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. The combination of fruity strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake topping is simply irresistible. Give it a try and you’ll have a new go-to dessert recipe that everyone will love!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pie filling?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute other pie fillings! Blueberry, cherry, apple, or any other flavor would work well in this recipe.
Q2: Do I have to use softened cream cheese?
A: It’s best to use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother cheesecake layer. However, if you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up a bit.
Q3: Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?
A: Yes, you can use a sugar-free cake mix to reduce the sugar content of the dessert. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Q4: Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
