Hey y’all! If you’re looking for an easy dessert that’s sure to impress, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. It’s the ultimate combination of creamy cheesecake and vibrant strawberry flavors, perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat on a cozy evening. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super easy to make with minimal preparation time.
- Combines the classic flavors of strawberry and cheesecake.
- Requires only one dish for both prep and baking.
- Perfect for serving at parties or as a quick dessert option.
- Rich and creamy texture with a burst of strawberry goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 cans strawberry pie filling (21 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Strawberry Layer
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Cheesecake Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberry filling.
Step 4: Cake Layer
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers.
Step 5: Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, ensuring even coverage.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a butter cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. Learn more about cake mix options.
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake mixture.
- Feel free to add some chopped nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture.
Variations
- Blueberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Replace strawberry pie filling with blueberry pie filling.
- Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Tropical Dump Cake: Try adding some crushed pineapple along with strawberry filling for a tropical twist.
Required Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Suggested Pairings
Serve this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or tea also pairs well with this sweet treat.
Pro Tips
- For a crispier top, sprinkle some brown sugar over the cake mix before baking. Check out more baking tips here.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Use a fork to create small holes in the cake mix to help the butter seep in evenly.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling? Fresh strawberries won’t provide the same sweet, syrupy base as the pie filling. You can cook them down with some sugar to create a similar effect.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of cream cheese? Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor and texture.