Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy and decadent dessert that combines the fruity sweetness of strawberry pie filling, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and a golden cake topping. Perfect for any occasion, this one-pan wonder is especially great for serving a crowd. The simplicity of preparation ensures that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dessert with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a 10-minute prep time, you can have this dessert ready to bake in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cheesecake creates a delightful flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or chilled, with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an added touch.
- Minimal Cleanup: Being a dump cake means fewer dishes to wash, making it perfect for busy days.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, this dessert fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool helps you achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture quickly and effortlessly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
To create your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Strawberry Filling
- Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberry pie filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect; those little pockets of cheesecake add charm!
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of everything.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer.
Step 6: Bake
- Place in preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is as delightful as making it. This easy dessert can be dressed up in various ways that will wow your guests and elevate the overall experience.
Garnish with Fresh Strawberries
- Adding fresh strawberries on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color. Use whole or sliced strawberries for a fresh touch.
Top with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on each serving creates a creamy contrast to the cake. You can use store-bought or homemade whipped cream for added indulgence.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pairing the dump cake with vanilla ice cream brings a wonderful temperature contrast. The cold ice cream melts into the warm cake, creating a delicious combination.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add a rich layer of flavor. It complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
Add a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar
- Dusting powdered sugar on top gives your cake an elegant finish. It enhances both presentation and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily, resulting in a smoother cheesecake layer that mixes well with the strawberry filling.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when making the cream cheese mixture. Overmixing can cause it to become too airy and lose its rich texture.
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Check Doneness: Instead of relying solely on time, check if the top is golden brown and set in the middle before removing it from the oven.
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Let It Cool: Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps set the layers and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
While this dessert is delightful on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the dump cake.
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Minty Green Salad: A light salad with mint can refresh your palate between bites of rich dessert.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides savory notes that contrast beautifully with sweet flavors.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty treats offer a crunchy texture and an unexpected flavor pairing with the sweet cheesecake dump cake.
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Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can provide an additional chewy texture while being a healthier option alongside dessert.
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Coffee or Tea: Serving hot beverages like coffee or tea helps balance out sweetness and adds warmth to your dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your dessert turns out delicious!
- Skipping the cream cheese mixing: Failing to beat the cream cheese properly can lead to a lumpy texture. Make sure it’s smooth before adding it to the cake.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can ruin the balance of flavors. Always measure your ingredients with precision.
- Ignoring baking times: Overbaking or underbaking can affect the cake’s texture. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it’s just right.
- Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well, resulting in lumps. Allow it to soften at room temperature before using.
- Overloading with toppings: While toppings are tempting, too many can overwhelm the flavor. Stick to a few like fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a non-stick skillet, covered, for about 5–10 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other fruit fillings?
Yes! You can substitute strawberry pie filling with other fruits like blueberry or cherry for different flavors.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for novice bakers due to its straightforward instructions and minimal steps.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dessert a day in advance; just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by trying different pie fillings or toppings based on your preference. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a quick and easy dessert that combines the fruity sweetness of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a golden cake layer. This one-pan dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying this decadent treat with your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the strawberry filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top, then drizzle melted butter over it.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (133g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
