🎉 Introduction
If you’re craving a fruity, creamy, and fuss-free dessert, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your next go-to treat! It combines the sweet, tart flavor of strawberries with the indulgent richness of cheesecake, all topped off with a buttery cake crust — no mixer required! What’s magical about dump cakes is that you literally “dump” everything into the pan. This dessert is perfect for last-minute gatherings, summer potlucks, or cozy family nights.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake strikes the perfect balance between easy prep and flavor-packed results. You’ll love how the strawberries caramelize slightly with the sugar while the cream cheese melts into dreamy pockets of richness. It’s a dessert you can serve warm with ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge.
Want more easy dump cake variations? Check out this collection of dump cake ideas from Taste of Home.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To whip up this strawberry cheesecake dump cake with ease, you only need a few basic kitchen tools:
9×13-inch baking dish
Medium mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Knife (for slicing strawberries and cream cheese)
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven mitts
Optional: Hand mixer if you prefer softening the cream cheese before layering
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:
🍓 Produce
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
🍰 Baking & Spices
1 box white or yellow cake mix (any brand of your choice)
1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
🧈 Dairy
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced thinly
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed and softened slightly
✅ Tip: For even more strawberry flavor, opt for a strawberry cake mix instead of white or yellow!
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to build the most irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it out with a spoon to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Add Fresh Strawberries
Layer the fresh sliced strawberries over the pie filling for extra berry goodness and texture.
Step 4: Sweeten the Cream Cheese
In a small bowl, mix the cubed cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir just to combine — lumps are okay!
Step 5: Dollop the Cream Cheese
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the strawberry layer.
Step 6: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Take the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly across the entire top — do not mix it in!
Step 7: Add the Butter
Slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them over the surface of the cake mix. This helps create a golden, buttery topping.
Step 8: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes. Serve warm for a gooey dessert or chill for firmer slices.
🍦 Pro Tip: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Servings: 12 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
This dessert feeds a crowd and is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or when you just want to treat yourself!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake fresh and tasty:
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The flavors deepen after chilling — some say it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
Freeze in individual portions wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave individual slices for 30–45 seconds.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes if reheating a larger portion.
🥄 Variations
Want to tweak this recipe for different occasions or dietary needs? Try these fun twists:
🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.
🍋 Lemon-Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Use lemon cake mix for a tart and fruity twist.
🥥 Coconut Strawberry Dump Cake: Add shredded coconut for texture and tropical flavor.
🍑 Peach Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Mix in peach pie filling for a sweet mash-up.
🥕 Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free cake mix.
🌱 Vegan-Friendly: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese like Daiya or Kite Hill.
❓ 10 FAQs
- What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a super easy dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a pan with no mixing. It’s somewhere between a cobbler and a cake. - Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. - Do I have to use cream cheese?
No, but it adds that cheesecake element. You could skip it or substitute with mascarpone. - Will this work in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours, uncovered toward the end to help brown the top. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake and chill it, then reheat or serve cold the next day. - Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Of course! You can cook fresh berries with sugar and cornstarch until thick and jammy. - Why isn’t my cake mix baking properly?
Ensure the butter is evenly distributed. Dry spots often mean uneven butter coverage. - What if I only have salted butter?
That’s fine. Just reduce the added sugar slightly or skip the extra pinch of salt. - Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans or almonds add a nice crunch! Sprinkle on top before baking. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s sweet, fun to help make, and doesn’t require sharp tools or hot stovetops.
🏁 Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious — and this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake hits all the right notes. With its layered berry and cream cheese flavors, buttery cake topping, and minimal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled at a summer picnic, this dump cake delivers in both taste and convenience. So go ahead — gather your ingredients and let the magic happen in your oven!
Love fruity desserts? You’ll also enjoy this collection of no-bake strawberry recipes by Delish.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe: A No-Fuss Delight Bursting with Berry Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it out with a spoon to cover the entire surface.
- Layer the fresh sliced strawberries over the pie filling for extra berry goodness and texture.
- In a small bowl, mix the cubed cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir just to combine — lumps are okay!
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the strawberry layer.
- Take the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly across the entire top — do not mix it in!
- Slice the butter into thin pats and distribute them over the surface of the cake mix. This helps create a golden, buttery topping.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes. Serve warm for a gooey dessert or chill for firmer slices.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen after chilling — some say it’s even better the next day! Freezing
Freeze in individual portions wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheating
Microwave individual slices for 30–45 seconds. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes if reheating a larger portion. 🥄 Variations Want to tweak this recipe for different occasions or dietary needs? Try these fun twists: 🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe. 🍋 Lemon-Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Use lemon cake mix for a tart and fruity twist. 🥥 Coconut Strawberry Dump Cake: Add shredded coconut for texture and tropical flavor. 🍑 Peach Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Mix in peach pie filling for a sweet mash-up. 🥕 Gluten-Free Version: Use a certified gluten-free cake mix. 🌱 Vegan-Friendly: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese like Daiya or Kite Hill. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a super easy dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a pan with no mixing. It’s somewhere between a cobbler and a cake. 2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. 3. Do I have to use cream cheese?
No, but it adds that cheesecake element. You could skip it or substitute with mascarpone. 4. Will this work in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours, uncovered toward the end to help brown the top. 5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake and chill it, then reheat or serve cold the next day. 6. Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Of course! You can cook fresh berries with sugar and cornstarch until thick and jammy. 7. Why isn’t my cake mix baking properly?
Ensure the butter is evenly distributed. Dry spots often mean uneven butter coverage. 8. What if I only have salted butter?
That’s fine. Just reduce the added sugar slightly or skip the extra pinch of salt. 9. Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans or almonds add a nice crunch! Sprinkle on top before baking. 10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s sweet, fun to help make, and doesn’t require sharp tools or hot stovetops. 🏁 Conclusion There’s nothing quite like the joy of a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious — and this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake hits all the right notes. With its layered berry and cream cheese flavors, buttery cake topping, and minimal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled at a summer picnic, this dump cake delivers in both taste and convenience. So go ahead — gather your ingredients and let the magic happen in your oven! Love fruity desserts? You’ll also enjoy this collection of no-bake strawberry recipes by Delish.
