Get ready for the ultimate easy dessert with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a dreamy, creamy, and fruity no-fuss treat that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. This recipe is perfect for when you crave a homemade cheesecake experience without the complicated steps, making it a lifesaver for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional toppings: fresh strawberries, whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a revelation in simplicity and flavor, delivering a decadent, layered dessert that tastes anything but “dumped.” With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of around 45-55 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a rich, creamy, and satisfying treat that rivals any traditional cheesecake, all with minimal culinary effort and maximum deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and uniform. Set this mixture aside.
- Assemble the Base: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, spoon the strawberry pie filling over the sweetened condensed milk, spreading it out gently.
- Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the strawberry pie filling. Do not stir or mix anything at this stage; the cake mix will cook into a delicious topping.
- Drizzle with Butter: Carefully drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, ensuring as much of the dry surface is covered as possible. This step is crucial for creating a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake the Dump Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Add the Cheesecake Swirl (Optional but Recommended): Once the cake is baked, gently dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the warm cake. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cream cheese into the fruity topping and cake, creating beautiful marbled patterns.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the structure to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
You’ll adore this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for its unbelievably easy assembly and the harmonious blend of sweet strawberries and tangy cheesecake flavors. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a gourmet-tasting dessert, far more budget-friendly than purchasing a fancy cheesecake from a bakery, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or simply a weeknight indulgence.
The luscious, creamy texture combined with the burst of sweet strawberry goodness creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds, a delightful contrast to a typical fruit crumble or cobbler. Don’t hesitate to dive into this effortless recipe and experience the joy of a homemade dessert without the stress – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For ideal storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is an excellent option. Once cooled completely, you can freeze individual portions or the entire cake. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. For a larger amount, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dessert. Give it a try for your next gathering or a sweet escape; you’ll be amazed by its delightful taste and ease of preparation.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and uniform. Set this mixture aside.8 ounce cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup milk (any kind), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, spoon the strawberry pie filling over the sweetened condensed milk, spreading it out gently.1 15-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 1 21-ounce can strawberry pie filling
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the strawberry pie filling. Do not stir or mix anything at this stage; the cake mix will cook into a delicious topping.1 18.25-ounce box yellow cake mix
- Carefully drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, ensuring as much of the dry surface is covered as possible. This step is crucial for creating a golden, crispy topping.1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Once the cake is baked, gently dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the warm cake. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cream cheese into the fruity topping and cake, creating beautiful marbled patterns.8 ounce cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup milk (any kind), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Let the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the structure to set. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.