If there’s one dessert that instantly transports me to warm spring afternoons at my grandmother’s farmhouse, it’s her Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Picture this: a bubbling layer of strawberry pie filling, swirled with creamy whipped cheesecake, topped with a buttery golden vanilla cake crust. It’s not only a dessert — it’s a slice of American comfort, fuss-free and full of nostalgic charm.
Growing up, my Nonna used to make a variation of this cake for summer family picnics. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries from the garden, she’d whip up a tray of happiness. Now, I’ve added a cheesecake twist — and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Let’s dive into this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe — easy, delicious, and oh-so-perfect for your next sunny day gathering.
Table of Contents
⏱️ Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 10
🍓 What is a Dump Cake?
Don’t let the name fool you — a dump cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. True to its name, you “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish in layers. No mixing bowls. No complicated steps. Yet the result is a golden, gooey, fruit-packed treat with the texture of cobbler and the richness of cake.
This version incorporates a cheesecake layer, making it both tangy and creamy. Combined with sweet strawberries and that crisp buttery topping, it’s spring and summer in a baking dish.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for 10 servings:
For the Filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
🍓 Step 2: Add Strawberry Layer
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the dish. Spread evenly using a spatula.
🧀 Step 3: Mix Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Spoon the mixture over the strawberry filling in dollops, then lightly swirl with a knife or spatula for a marbled effect.
🍰 Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not mix it in — it will absorb moisture and form a crisp topping.
🧈 Step 5: Add Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible — this helps create that golden crust.
🔥 Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
🔢 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 32g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on brand of ingredients used.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Room-temperature cream cheese spreads and mixes more easily.
- Don’t mix the cake mix with the filling — the layered effect is key.
- Want extra crisp topping? Dot with a few small cubes of cold butter instead of just melted.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the butter with sweetened condensed milk.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum indulgence.
🥄 Variations to Try
- Berry Mix Dump Cake: Use a combo of blueberry and strawberry pie fillings.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Version: Add chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Graham Cracker Crumble: Add crushed graham crackers on top of the cake mix before the butter for a s’mores twist.
🍓 When to Serve This Dessert
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is a hit at:
- Family BBQs
- Potluck dinners
- Easter brunch
- Fourth of July celebrations
- Or simply when you want something sweet without the sweat!
🌍 Inspired by American Comfort Food
Rooted in traditional American baking, dump cakes reflect the joy of making something delicious with minimal effort. This strawberry cheesecake version adds a modern flair to an old-school classic — a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special.
🔗 More Delicious Desserts to Explore
- No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Classic Strawberry Shortcake
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dessert that’s both incredibly simple and deeply satisfying. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is a reminder that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to bring smiles to the table. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled the next day, it’s bound to become a favorite in your spring and summer recipe rotation.
PrintEasy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake : Summer Recipe
- Total Time: 55
Description
If there’s one dessert that instantly transports me to warm spring afternoons at my grandmother’s farmhouse, it’s her Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the dish. Spread evenly using a spatula.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Spoon the mixture over the strawberry filling in dollops, then lightly swirl with a knife or spatula for a marbled effect.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not mix it in — it will absorb moisture and form a crisp topping.
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible — this helps create that golden crust.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving
Notes
- Room-temperature cream cheese spreads and mixes more easily.
- Don’t mix the cake mix with the filling — the layered effect is key.
- Want extra crisp topping? Dot with a few small cubes of cold butter instead of just melted.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake