Welcome to my kitchen, where simplicity meets indulgence in the form of a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightful dessert is like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Growing up, my grandmother often whipped up this treat on Sunday afternoons. The sweet aroma would fill the house, drawing us all into the kitchen. There’s something truly special about a recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. This cake is one of those magical recipes—you just dump, bake, and enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Delightful Dessert
- The Recipe
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- What to Serve With This Delightful Dessert
- Storage & Leftover Tips
Why You’ll Love This Delightful Dessert
- Effortless Preparation: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, this cake is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip up this masterpiece! The most challenging part might be waiting for it to bake while your kitchen fills with its heavenly aroma.
- Family Favorite: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. Its sweet, creamy texture makes it an irresistible dessert at any family gathering. Whether it’s a birthday, a potluck, or a simple Sunday dinner, this cake holds the power to bring people together.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you use yellow or white cake mix, this dessert will still shine. Try experimenting with different pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a new take on this classic recipe.
- Year-Round Treat: Thanks to canned strawberry pie filling, you can enjoy this dessert any time of the year, bringing a taste of summer even in the depths of winter. It’s like a slice of sunshine on a cloudy day.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is made in one dish, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pans and more time enjoying dessert with your loved ones. The simplicity of this preparation means less fuss and more fun.
The Recipe
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure even cooking. A light coating of butter or a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray should do the trick.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. This forms the fruity foundation of the cake. You might want to give it a quick stir in the can to ensure an even distribution of fruit.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dollop this creamy mixture over the strawberry filling, and gently spread it out with a spatula. This layer adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries. If your cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer or give it a quick zap in the microwave to soften.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t mix! This is the secret to achieving that perfect, crumbly topping. Resist the urge to stir, as the dry mix will work its magic as it bakes.
- Top with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. As it bakes, the butter will help create a golden, crispy crust. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The wonderful aroma will let you know it’s almost ready. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or let it chill in the fridge for a refreshing dessert. The cooling time allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you won’t need much in terms of equipment:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for baking the cake evenly and achieving that perfect golden crust. The size is perfect for creating just the right thickness for each layer.
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need this to combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. A medium-sized bowl works well.
- Spatula: Useful for spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly. A silicone spatula is particularly handy as it prevents sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of butter and vanilla extract. Precision can make a big difference in baking, so it’s worth taking the time to measure accurately.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding the role of each ingredient can elevate your baking skills and make you more confident in the kitchen:
- Cake Mix: The base of our dump cake, this ingredient simplifies the process while providing a fluffy texture. Opt for yellow or white cake mix based on your preference. Each type brings its own subtle flavor, with yellow being slightly richer and white offering a more neutral taste.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: Provides a burst of fruity sweetness and a juicy layer that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake layer. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own pie filling with fresh strawberries and a bit of sugar and cornstarch.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and cake mix. Ensure it’s softened to blend smoothly with sugar and vanilla.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer, enhancing its flavor without overpowering the dish. You could substitute with a natural sweetener if preferred, but keep in mind this might alter the taste and texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and adds depth to the cream cheese layer. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps to brown the top and create a crisp, golden crust. It’s important to use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish. If you only have salted butter, you might want to reduce any added salt in the recipe.
What to Serve With This Delightful Dessert
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, fruity cake. Consider trying a strawberry or cheesecake-flavored ice cream for something different.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an airy, light touch that enhances the overall experience. For a twist, add a hint of vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream.
- Fresh Strawberries: For a burst of freshness, garnish the cake with sliced fresh strawberries before serving. This not only adds flavor but also a pop of color to your presentation.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the cake and makes for a comforting finish to any meal. A fruity herbal tea or a robust coffee can balance the sweetness wonderfully.
For more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out our Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe and Classic Apple Pie on homemaderecipe.blog.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers (although I doubt you will!), here are some tips to keep your cake fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese layer helps keep the cake moist, but refrigeration is essential to maintain its freshness. The cool temperature also enhances the flavors.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at a low temperature. This makes it convenient to enjoy a slice whenever a craving strikes.
- Reheat: For a warm treat, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Be sure to cover the dish with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the crust from browning too much.
There you have it, a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. This dessert is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table with family and friends. I hope you find as much joy in baking and sharing this cake as I do. Happy baking, and remember, the best recipes are those shared with love. For more comforting dessert recipes, don’t forget to visit homemaderecipe.blog for inspiration.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Only 5 ingredients and zero hassle! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make—sweet, creamy, and bursting with strawberry goodness. Just dump, bake, and dig in!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Strawberry Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling and gently spread.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top—don’t mix!
- Top with Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled!
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.2mg
Notes
For an extra flavor twist, try using different types of pie fillings like cherry or blueberry. This dessert is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, as it can be served warm or cold.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!