Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves big flavor with minimal effort. This recipe combines sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake topping into one irresistible dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly simple. I love this dump cake because it requires no complicated steps, no mixer for the cake layer, and no baking experience to get it right. Everything is layered directly in the baking dish, making cleanup just as easy as preparation. As it bakes, the strawberries become warm and jammy, the cream cheese forms soft cheesecake pockets, and the cake mix turns golden and tender. It is the kind of dessert that works just as well for casual family dinners as it does for potlucks and holidays. Served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert never fails to impress.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Easy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake made with sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake bites, and a buttery golden cake topping—simple, rich, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not mix.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This is a true dump cake—do not stir the layers.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Strawberry pie filling creates the fruity base of the dessert, adding sweetness, moisture, and vibrant flavor.
Cream cheese forms the cheesecake element, providing tangy richness and creamy texture.
Granulated sugar lightly sweetens the cream cheese and balances the strawberries.
Vanilla extract enhances the cheesecake flavor and adds warmth.
Yellow cake mix creates the buttery topping and signature dump cake texture.
Unsalted butter melts over the cake mix, helping it bake evenly and turn golden.
Optional fresh strawberries add brightness and texture.
Optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances serving and presentation.
Directions
Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom, making sure the surface is fully covered.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Do not spread it completely; uneven pockets create the cheesecake texture.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire dish, covering the filling and cream cheese. Do not mix the layers.
Slice the butter thinly and arrange it evenly over the top of the cake mix, ensuring most of the surface is covered.
Bake until the top is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the layers can set.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10 to 12 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, baking time is about 45 minutes, and resting time is 10 minutes before serving.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is easy to adapt while keeping its classic appeal. For a richer flavor, substitute vanilla cake mix with butter cake mix. You can also swirl the cream cheese slightly into the strawberry layer for a more marbled cheesecake effect.
If strawberries are not your favorite, cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling works just as well. I tested this recipe with blueberry filling, and the result was equally delicious with a slightly less sweet profile.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or white chocolate chips over the cake mix before adding the butter. You can also add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a brighter, fresher flavor. These customizations make the recipe versatile while preserving its dump cake simplicity.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein (g) | 4 |
| Carbs (g) | Fifty |
| Fat (g) | 20 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 12 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 32 |
| Sodium (mg) | 340 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even butter coverage
Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix to avoid dry spots.
Do not stir
Layering is essential for proper dump cake texture.
Serve warm
This dessert tastes best when slightly warm and gooey.
Add contrast
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream balances the sweetness perfectly.
FAQs
Do I need to prepare the cake mix?
No, use the dry cake mix directly without adding eggs or oil.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, bake it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Yes, as long as it is thick and not overly watery.
Why are there dry spots on top?
Dry spots usually mean the butter was not evenly distributed.
Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Yes, freeze tightly covered for up to two months.
What pan size works best?
A 9×13-inch baking dish provides the most even baking.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that delivers big flavor with very little effort. With its fruity base, creamy cheesecake pockets, and buttery topping, it is a reliable recipe for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want an easy dessert that feels special.
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