Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

ByvidalistaUSA

A Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines the delicious creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberry, all topped with a golden, slightly crisp cake layer. It’s a dessert that seems far more complicated than it actually is, but its simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for anyone looking for an easy yet decadent treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a dessert to serve on a cozy night in, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It requires minimal prep time and uses just a few ingredients, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, and we’ll share some tips, tricks, and variations to customize the dessert to your liking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 oz) can of strawberry pie filling: This is the fruity base for your dump cake. You can opt for other fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry if you prefer, but strawberry is perfect for this cheesecake-inspired version.
  • 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese (softened): Cream cheese is the secret to that rich, smooth, and slightly tangy cheesecake layer that gives this dessert its name. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 1 (15.25 oz) box of yellow cake mix: This is the easy shortcut for creating the cake layer. It adds flavor and structure to the dump cake without needing to mix up a cake batter from scratch.
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter (melted): The melted butter is key to creating a golden, slightly crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheesecake and strawberry layers below.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Vanilla enhances the flavors of the cake and cheesecake layers, bringing out the sweetness and richness.
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (optional): If you want to intensify the strawberry flavor, fresh or frozen strawberries can be added to the strawberry pie filling for an extra fruity punch.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional): If you like a sweeter cheesecake filling, you can add powdered sugar to the cream cheese for a sweeter, smoother texture.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As with any baked dish, it’s important to ensure that your oven is fully heated before placing your dump cake inside.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter. This helps ensure that the cake won’t stick to the dish, making cleanup easier and allowing the cake to come out cleanly.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or a whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. If you’re using powdered sugar, add about 1/2 cup at this point, mixing it in with the cream cheese until it’s fully incorporated. If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can skip the powdered sugar and keep it simple with just the cream cheese. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract here for extra flavor. Once the cheesecake mixture is smooth, spread it evenly over the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed, covering the entire bottom of the dish.
  4. Add the Strawberry Pie Filling: Open your can of strawberry pie filling and spread it over the cheesecake layer. Be generous! The strawberry layer should cover the cheesecake evenly, but there’s no need to spread it perfectly. The beauty of a dump cake is that it doesn’t need to be overly fussy. If you’re adding fresh or frozen strawberries for extra flavor, scatter them over the strawberry pie filling at this point.
  5. Add the Cake Mix: Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry pie filling. Do not mix the cake mix with the pie filling! Simply let it fall as it is. The dry cake mix will form a crumbly, golden topping as it bakes.
  6. Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. You don’t need to cover it entirely, but make sure that the butter is spread out as evenly as possible to ensure a uniform texture. The butter will soak into the cake mix as it bakes, helping to form a crispy and golden-brown top.
  7. Bake the Dump Cake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You may want to check on it around the 40-minute mark to make sure it doesn’t over-brown. The cake should look slightly crisp on top, with the edges beginning to caramelize.
  8. Cool and Serve: Once the dump cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. While it’s still warm, the texture will be soft and gooey, but as it cools, the layers will set a bit more, making it easier to cut and serve. You can enjoy the dump cake on its own or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips and Variations:

  1. Fruit Variations: If you’re not a fan of strawberries, you can substitute the strawberry pie filling with other fruit fillings. Blueberry, cherry, or peach fillings all work beautifully in this recipe. Each fruit will give the dump cake its own unique twist.
  2. Homemade Cake Mix: If you prefer not to use a store-bought cake mix, you can make your own. A simple combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and butter can create a similar result.
  3. Make It More Cheesecake-Style: For an even more authentic cheesecake experience, you can add a little sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cheesecake layer for a tangy flavor. You can also add some lemon zest or juice to give the cheesecake layer a citrusy kick.
  4. Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, on top of the cake mix before baking. The nuts will toast up nicely and add a bit of texture to the cake.
  5. Toppings: Once the cake is baked and cooled, top it with fresh whipped cream, a few extra fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to elevate the dessert further.

Conclusion:

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best of both worlds: cheesecake and cake. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, creamy, or decadent, this easy dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

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