Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries, all topped with a buttery, golden cake layer. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a sweet, comforting treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is a perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors. The strawberry filling provides the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, while the cheesecake layer adds a smooth richness. The cake mix topping bakes into a golden, slightly crisp layer, creating the perfect contrast in textures. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just “dump” the ingredients and bake!

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Whipped cream for topping (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Strawberry Layer
Spread the fresh or frozen strawberries evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, pour the strawberry pie filling over the strawberries, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer, but don’t spread it out—it will melt and mix in as it bakes.
Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire dessert. Do not stir; just let the cake mix sit on top.
Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, making sure it covers as much of the surface as possible. Again, do not stir.
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cake mix will form a beautiful crust over the creamy filling.
Cool and Serve
Allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Fruit Variations: Swap the strawberry pie filling for other fruit pie fillings, like blueberry, peach, or cherry, for a different flavor.
Cake Mix Variations: Use a white, vanilla, or strawberry cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
Add-ins: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh strawberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure they are sliced and sweetened, if needed, to match the sweetness of the pie filling.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate them separately. Then, assemble and bake the dessert just before serving.

Is it necessary to use a 9×13-inch baking dish?

The recipe is designed for a 9×13-inch dish. If you use a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly, and keep an eye on the cake to ensure it’s baked properly.

Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dump cake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place it directly in the oven, adding extra time if needed.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely. You can swap the yellow cake mix for white, vanilla, or strawberry cake mix for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a deliciously easy dessert that combines the best flavors of cheesecake, strawberries, and buttery cake. The simplicity of the recipe and the rich, creamy results make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to satisfy.