There’s something magical about the combination of sweet strawberries, velvety cream cheese, and buttery cake. Whether you’re gathered around the table on a cozy Sunday evening, celebrating summer’s bounty at a backyard barbecue, or simply indulging in a midweek treat, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings people together. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home—warm, welcoming, and wonderfully easy.
Inspired by the nostalgia of potluck desserts and the flavors of classic cheesecake, this dump cake is a hybrid marvel. It’s unfussy, made in one pan, and ready for the oven in minutes—yet tastes like you spent hours preparing it. If you’ve ever longed for a dessert that hits all the right notes—creamy, fruity, buttery, and sweet—this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
1. No-Fuss Baking with Big Rewards
The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity. You literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish—no layering finesse or complicated techniques required. But don’t let the ease fool you. The flavor is anything but basic. With a rich cream cheese swirl and a golden, buttery topping, this dessert has all the hallmarks of a showstopper.
2. A Match Made in Dessert Heaven: Strawberries and Cheesecake
Few combinations are as beloved as strawberries and cheesecake. The sweet-tart berry flavor balances the richness of cream cheese, creating a harmony that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Add in the buttery crunch of the cake mix topping, and you’ve got a triple threat that’s hard to resist.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is your go-to for:
- Family gatherings
- Holiday dinners
- Potlucks and picnics
- Mother’s Day brunches
- Valentine’s Day desserts
- Or simply a treat-yourself Tuesday
Because it’s so quick and versatile, it’s perfect year-round—and with only a handful of ingredients, you can whip it up anytime a craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what goes into this easy yet irresistible dessert. You may already have these staples in your pantry and fridge!
🔸 1 box yellow cake mix
This is the golden layer that forms the cake topping. It crisps beautifully in the oven and brings that classic buttery flavor.
🔸 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
Packed with juicy strawberries and a glossy, sweet syrup, this is the fruity base that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.
🔸 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
Creamy and tangy, cream cheese provides that signature cheesecake flavor. Softening it ensures a smooth, spreadable texture.
🔸 1/2 cup sugar
This sweetens the cream cheese mixture and enhances the dessert’s overall flavor.
🔸 1 tsp vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese layer.
🔸 1/2 cup butter, sliced into thin pats
Butter is the magic that melts into the cake mix, giving it a golden, crispy top. Thin pats ensure even distribution and proper melting.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
🍰 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures an easy release and prevents any sticking.
🍓 Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to cover the bottom—this is your fruity foundation.
🧁 Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk.
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry filling. No need to spread—these will melt slightly and create pockets of cheesecake goodness.
🥄 Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix on Top
Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire dish. Don’t mix or stir—just let it sit as a dry layer on top.
🧈 Step 5: Dot with Butter
Place the thin pats of butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix. This will melt into the dry mix as it bakes, forming that crisp, golden topping we all love.
🔥 Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly. It’s delicious warm, room temperature, or chilled!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: This helps you achieve a smooth texture without lumps.
- Add a citrus twist: A teaspoon of lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Customize the fruit: Try this recipe with cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for variety.
- Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it over the top.
- Make it ahead: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just warm it slightly before serving.
Storage and Reheating
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This dump cake tastes great the next day as the flavors meld together.
To reheat, microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds, or place the entire dish back in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
You can, but pie filling offers the right consistency and sweetness for a dump cake. If using fresh strawberries, cook them down with some sugar and cornstarch to mimic pie filling texture.
Do I need to stir the cake mix into the fruit?
Nope! That’s the beauty of a dump cake—you layer and bake. Stirring disrupts the layering and changes the texture.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pie filling and cream cheese are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe more decadent?
Try adding white chocolate chips between the cream cheese and cake mix layers. They melt into little pockets of sweetness that pair perfectly with strawberries.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: A Shareable Sensation
This dessert isn’t just easy—it’s downright crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding a big family, hosting a party, or treating yourself, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again. It’s cozy and celebratory, classic yet modern, indulgent but accessible.
Don’t Forget to Share!
Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and family on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! Use the hashtag #StrawberryDumpCakeLove and show off your sweet creation.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make This Recipe Today
In a world of complicated desserts and time-consuming baking projects, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake stands out as a beacon of simplicity and flavor. It brings together everything we love about dessert: rich, creamy cheesecake, sweet and juicy strawberries, and a warm, golden cake topping—all in a single dish.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. It’s adaptable, reliable, and deeply satisfying. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love.