Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 15.25 oz Vanilla or french vanilla cake mix; 1 stick butter (melted); 1 8 oz Package cream cheese; 2 21 oz cans Strawberry pie filling

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This incredible strawberry cheesecake dump cake combines the elegance of classic cheesecake with the effortless simplicity of a dump cake. With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll create a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen! The creamy cheesecake layer melts perfectly into sweet strawberry pie filling, all crowned with a buttery golden crumb topping.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Only 5 simple ingredients needed
No mixer required – just stir and layer
Tastes like a fancy strawberry cheesecake
Perfect balance of creamy and buttery textures
Golden crumb topping that gets slightly crispy
Can be made ahead and frozen
Versatile – works with different pie fillings

Let me tell you why this strawberry cheesecake dump cake has become my go-to dessert for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The magic happens when those thin slices of cream cheese slowly melt into the sweet strawberry filling during baking, creating pockets of creamy cheesecake throughout. And that buttery crumb topping? It transforms into this perfectly golden crust that adds just the right amount of texture to every bite.

The best part? While it tastes like a labor of love, this recipe is practically foolproof. Simply layer your ingredients, pop it in the oven, and watch as it transforms into a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I love serving it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt ever so slightly into those warm strawberry-cheesecake layers. Pure dessert heaven!

Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine

Let me walk you through exactly what makes this strawberry cheesecake dump cake so incredibly delicious! Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and buttery flavors.

Cake Mix – I always reach for vanilla or French vanilla cake mix here. Just like when I make my favorite holiday cake dips, the vanilla variety gives us that perfect blank canvas. The mix combines with melted butter to create a gorgeous golden crumb topping that’s simply irresistible.
Cream Cheese – This is where the magic happens! Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest texture. The fat content helps it melt into pockets of cheesecake heaven throughout the cake. While you can use neufchâtel cheese to lighten things up, I find the full-fat version creates that luxurious mouthfeel we’re after.
Butter – Salted butter is my secret weapon here! The tiny bit of salt enhances all the sweet flavors and creates the most incredible buttery crumb topping when mixed with the cake mix. The fat in the butter also helps tenderize everything as it bakes.
Strawberry Pie Filling – Two cans is the perfect amount to create a thick, fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese. The filling’s pectin helps give the cake structure while baking.

Essential Tips for Dump Cake Success

Just like my hearty cornbread casserole, this recipe is pretty straightforward, but I’ve learned a few tricks that make it absolutely foolproof:

Layer with Purpose – Always spread the pie filling first, then add cream cheese slices, and top with the butter-cake mixture. This creates distinct layers that bake into perfect harmony.
Watch the Color – The top should be golden brown, not dark brown. Start checking at 25 minutes – when you see bubbling around the edges and that perfect golden hue, it’s done!
Cool Slightly – Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set up properly and makes serving much easier.
Pan Preparation – Don’t skip greasing your baking dish! A light coating of butter or cooking spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this incredibly simple yet impressive dessert! The process is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at the results.

Prepare Your Pan: Start by greasing a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly. I prefer using butter, but cooking spray works great too.
Make the Buttery Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your stick of butter. Pour in the cake mix and stir until you get a coarse, wet sand texture. This will create that amazing crispy topping we’re looking for!
Layer the Base: Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into your prepared baking dish. Like my favorite layered casseroles, spreading evenly is key here.
Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Thinly slice your cream cheese block – I aim for about 1/4 inch slices. Arrange these pieces evenly over the strawberry layer. Don’t worry about gaps; they’ll melt beautifully while baking.
Top it Off: Sprinkle your buttery cake mixture evenly over everything. Make sure to cover all the cream cheese slices.
Bake to Perfection: Pop it in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until you see those lovely golden brown spots and bubbling strawberries around the edges.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are some of my favorite twists that remind me of the flavors in my favorite comfort food recipes:

Different Fruit Combinations: Try mixing one can of strawberry with one can of peach pie filling – it’s like summer in a pan!
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla, similar to my rich and decadent recipes. The chocolate-strawberry combination is divine!
Extra Decadent: Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding the cake mix topping.
Nutty Twist: Mix 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or almonds into your cake mix topping for added crunch.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble this up to 24 hours in advance – just keep it covered in the fridge and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake.

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of pie filling?

While fresh or frozen strawberries might seem like a good substitute, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Pie filling has the perfect consistency and sweetness level that makes this dump cake work so well. Using frozen strawberries could make the cake too watery.

Why isn’t my topping getting crispy?

The key to a crispy topping is making sure your butter and cake mix are thoroughly combined until they resemble wet sand. If your topping isn’t crisping up, try dotting the top with a few extra pieces of butter before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Just like my crispy air fryer potatoes, this dump cake is best reheated properly. Pop individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

You know what I love most about this strawberry cheesecake dump cake? It’s that perfect balance of being incredibly simple yet tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every time I make this, my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma of sweet strawberries and buttery cake – it’s pure comfort in a pan!

I’ve made this for countless potlucks and family gatherings, and there’s never a crumb left. The combination of creamy cheesecake with sweet strawberries and that crispy buttery topping just works magic together. Plus, it’s so forgiving – even if you’re new to baking, you’ll nail this recipe the first time!

Give this recipe a try next time you need a quick dessert that’ll make everyone think you’re a baking pro. And don’t forget to make it your own – maybe add some white chocolate chips or try a different fruit filling. I’d love to hear how your dump cake adventure turns out!