When you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake hits the sweet spot. This indulgent treat combines luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake swirls, and a buttery golden cake topping in a way that’s effortlessly elegant yet comfortingly classic. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and almost no prep time, this dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or anytime you’re craving something warm, gooey, and totally irresistible.
What Is a Dump Cake?
If you’re new to the concept of a dump cake, prepare to fall in love. Dump cakes are a vintage-inspired dessert known for their minimal effort and maximum flavor. As the name suggests, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish—no mixing bowls, stand mixers, or complicated instructions needed.
Think of it as a hybrid between a cobbler and a cake, but even easier. Typically, the base is a sweet canned fruit or pie filling, topped with a boxed cake mix and sliced butter. As it bakes, the butter melts into the cake mix, creating a golden, crispy topping with a soft and fruity center underneath.
This version ups the ante with a swirl of tangy cream cheese—turning your average dump cake into a cheesecake lover’s dream.
Ingredients Breakdown (U.S. Cup Measurements)
-
1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
-
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or vanilla cake mix
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted cold butter, sliced
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Layer
Pour the strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the baking dish. If you’re using fresh strawberries, sprinkle them evenly over the pie filling. This adds texture and bright flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand until there are no lumps.
Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture across the top of the strawberry filling. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even—part of the charm is the random pockets of cheesecake.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix (straight from the box) over the entire dish. Don’t press it down—just let it rest on top.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Place the cold butter slices across the top of the cake mix. Space them as evenly as possible to ensure the top bakes up golden and crispy.
Pro tip: Cold butter is essential. It melts slowly while baking, creating that coveted crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow everything to set slightly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature. It’s excellent on its own or topped with:
-
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
-
A dollop of whipped cream
-
A drizzle of white chocolate sauce
-
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Prep Time & Nutritional Info
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
-
Total Time: ~1 hour
-
Calories: Approx. 440 kcal per serving
-
Yields 10–12 servings depending on portion size
Expert Tips and Tricks
Use Cold Butter
Butter must be cold and sliced, not melted. This ensures the topping crisps rather than becoming soggy.
Customize the Fruit
Not a fan of strawberries? Swap the filling with:
-
Cherry pie filling
-
Blueberry pie filling
-
Apple pie filling (add cinnamon for fall vibes)
-
Peach pie filling
Add Texture
For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or granola over the cake mix before adding butter.
Make It Cheesier
If you’re a cheesecake superfan, double the cream cheese mixture or swirl it more throughout the filling layer.
Chill for Clean Slices
Let the dump cake cool completely and refrigerate for a few hours to slice it neatly like a cheesecake bar.
When to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This dessert is incredibly versatile and fits into a variety of occasions:
-
Family dinners: End a cozy meal with this homey classic.
-
Potlucks: No one can resist that strawberry-cream cheese combo.
-
Birthday parties: Serve warm with candles and ice cream.
-
Brunch tables: Add it to a brunch spread for a sweet touch.
-
Valentine’s Day: The pink hues and strawberry flavor are perfect for love-themed occasions.
Storing & Reheating
To Store:
Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or place the whole dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
To Freeze:
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Dump Cake Variations You’ll Love
-
Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake: Use crushed pineapple and shredded coconut with a white cake mix for a tropical treat.
-
Black Forest Dump Cake: Swap the strawberry filling for cherry and add chocolate cake mix. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
-
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Blueberry pie filling + lemon cake mix + cream cheese = bright and tangy magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Super easy: No mixers, no frosting, no hassle
-
Versatile: Mix and match your favorite fruits and flavors
-
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves it—from kids to grandparents
-
Affordable: Pantry-friendly ingredients mean no need for a special shopping trip
-
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and reheat before serving
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake proves that dessert doesn’t have to be fussy to be delicious. In under an hour, you can turn a few simple ingredients into a showstopping treat that looks and tastes like it took hours. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a celebration, or just treating yourself, this dump cake delivers a spoonful of joy in every bite.