Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

 

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Strawberry Pie Filling (21 oz can):

This is the star of the show. Sweet, syrupy strawberries provide that fruity base. You can use homemade pie filling if you like, but canned makes it effortless.

2. Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz box):

This forms the crisp, buttery topping when combined with melted butter. Yellow cake mix gives the perfect level of sweetness and golden finish.

3. Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened):

Softened cream cheese adds a rich, tangy cheesecake element to the dessert. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.

4. Sugar (1/2 cup):

Adds sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.

5. Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp):

Enhances the flavor and gives a warm, comforting note to the cream cheese mixture.

6. Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted):

Drizzled over the dry cake mix, it helps create a golden, buttery crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will be the fruity base.
4. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling. No need to spread—it will melt and swirl during baking.
6. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire surface.
7. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to coat as much of the top as possible.
8. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Warm: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic combo.

Serve Cold: The cheesecake layer sets up nicely when chilled—perfect for hot days.

Garnish: Add fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit filling?

Yes! Cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling work beautifully. Feel free to get creative with combinations.

Can I use a white or butter cake mix instead?

Absolutely. White or butter cake mix will change the flavor slightly but still deliver delicious results.

Do I have to soften the cream cheese?

Yes. Softened cream cheese is essential to achieve a smooth texture when mixed with sugar and vanilla.

What if I don’t cover all the cake mix with butter?

That’s okay—just try to cover most of it. Any dry spots will still bake up with a slightly crumbly, crispy texture.

Is this the same as a cobbler?

Not quite. Dump cakes are often compared to cobblers, but they use cake mix rather than biscuit or pastry dough.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or lazy weekend baking. It delivers that nostalgic strawberry shortcake-meets-cheesecake flavor with minimal work and maximum reward. Whether served warm or cold, it’s sure to become a go-to in your dessert rotation.