Making this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly and quickly once it’s assembled.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This will form the rich cheesecake filling.
- Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling: Spread the 42 oz can of strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure the filling covers the bottom of the dish completely.
- Spread the Cheesecake Mixture: Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—just try to cover the filling as much as possible.
- Top with Cake Mix: Sprinkle a box of yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer. You don’t need to mix the cake mix with anything; just sprinkle it dry over the top. The cake mix will form a delicious, crumbly topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake has set. The cheesecake layer will bubble up a little, which is perfectly fine.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, but it’s best when the cheesecake layer is still creamy and gooey.
Serving and Storage
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for serving at a party, as a family dessert, or even as a sweet treat after a weeknight dinner. Here’s how you can serve and store it:
- Serving: For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A fresh strawberry garnish would also make the presentation pop and add a bit more freshness.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The dump cake will keep for about 3–4 days. To reheat, just microwave individual servings for 15–20 seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the top is nice and warm.
Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: It’s crucial that the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will prevent any lumps from forming in the cheesecake layer and ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
- Don’t Mix the Cake Mix: One of the best parts about a dump cake is that you don’t need to mix the dry cake mix with anything. Just sprinkle it on top and let it do its magic in the oven.
- Fresh Strawberries Option: If you prefer to use fresh strawberries, you can make your own homemade strawberry filling by cooking fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken. This gives a fresh, homemade touch to the dessert.
- For a Crunchy Top: If you like a slightly crunchier top, you can add some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, on top of the cake mix before baking. This will give a nice contrast to the soft cheesecake and strawberry layers.
Variations
While the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is already fantastic, you can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Change the Fruit: While strawberries are the star here, you can swap them out for other fruit fillings like blueberry, cherry, or peach. Each variation will offer a unique twist on the traditional dump cake.
- Use a Different Cake Mix: Instead of a yellow cake mix, try a white cake mix or a butter cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile. Spice cake mix could also add a warm, autumnal flavor that pairs nicely with fruit fillings.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the pie filling, as some brands may contain gluten.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Dump Cake: If you’re a chocolate lover, try using a chocolate cake mix and a layer of chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer. It’s a rich and indulgent variation!
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves sweet, fruity treats with a creamy twist. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its rich cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry layer, and crumbly cake topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just treating yourself, this dump cake will be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
FAQ
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can make your own strawberry filling using fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch to thicken. Just cook the strawberries down into a syrupy consistency before adding them to the cake.
How long does the cake last in the fridge?
Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3–4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake up to a day in advance, but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. This ensures the topping stays perfectly crisp.
Can I freeze the dump cake?
While it’s not