When I think of simple desserts that bring joy, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake stands out as a standout favorite. This dessert holds a special place in my heart, often gracing our table during family gatherings or lazy Sunday afternoons. With its vibrant layers of strawberry goodness, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping, it transcends the usual cake expectations. It’s not just a treat; it’s a delightful reminder of summers spent picking strawberries and the warmth of home-cooked meals.
Why you’ll love this dish
Life is busy, and we deserve a dessert that doesn’t demand hours of preparation but still delivers on flavor and comfort. This dump cake is perfect for every occasion, from potlucks to cozy nights in. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and creamy, with the strawberries singing a melody of fruitiness that’s bound to make anyone smile.
Imagine serving it warm, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm cake, or straight from the fridge with the flavors intensified. Either way, it’s a hit! It’s not just easy; it’s also budget-friendly — a simple list of pantry staples can become a stunning dessert that impresses.
"This is my go-to for dessert when I’m short on time but want something special! Everyone always asks for seconds!” – Sarah, a happy home cook.
Preparing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Making this cake is as straightforward as it gets. Picture this: just a few easy steps to a delicious dessert. You get to layer flavors rather than fuss about with complicated techniques. That’s right! You’ll be spending less time stressing over dessert and more time enjoying it with those you love.
So here’s how it goes: first, you get your oven hot, then spread a layer of luscious strawberry pie filling, followed by a dreamy cream cheese mixture, and finish with a sprinkle of cake mix. Drizzle some melted butter on top, and as the cake bakes, your kitchen will transform into a fragrant haven of sweetness.
What you’ll need
For this cake, you’ll incorporate:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Feel free to mix it up! You could swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry or even blueberry if you’re feeling adventurous. The butter? It can be replaced with coconut oil for a twist, adding a lovely aroma and flavor.
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s get baking, shall we?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom. This vibrant layer is where the magic begins.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat it until nice and smooth — you want a creamy consistency, almost like frosting.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about perfection; a few spoonfuls can create a delightful swirled effect.
- Now, sprinkle the dry cake mix carefully over the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cover it evenly, as this will be the crumbly topping.
- Drizzle the melted butter across the top. That rich butter will mingle with the cake mix, creating a crisp finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the cake is bubbly and golden brown. Trust your nose here; that warm aroma will lead you to the waiting goodness!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is half the fun. You can scoop generous portions onto plates and top with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to get fancy (because we all have a little flair!), dust it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or garnish with fresh strawberries.
If you’re feeling a bit sophisticated, serve it with a glass of dessert wine or a strong cup of coffee—it’s a delightful contrast that’ll leave your guests wanting more.
Keeping leftovers fresh
After enjoying a slice (or two) of this treat, you might have some leftovers—a beautiful problem to have! Store any uneaten cake in the fridge in an airtight container. It’ll last for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze slices. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few little secrets I’ve gleaned from years of baking:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened; this helps achieve that smooth mixture. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can cut it into small pieces and microwave it for about 10 seconds.
- Don’t skip the butter drizzle — it’s what ensures that golden, crispy crust on the top!
- You can elevate the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture or even throwing in some lemon zest for a zingy twist.
Recipe variations
There’s always room for a little creativity in the kitchen! Here are some creative spins you might enjoy:
- Swap out the strawberry cake mix for a lemon or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor profile.
- For a chocolate lover’s version, use chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling.
- Consider trying a gluten-free cake mix if you’re catering to dietary needs — it works beautifully too!
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for this cake?
It takes about 10 minutes to toss together — how lovely is that?Can I substitute the strawberry pie filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other flavors, like cherry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry filling.How do I store leftovers safely?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Give this delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a try, and I guarantee it will become a treasured recipe in your collection. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle the melted butter across the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the cake is bubbly and golden brown.