This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a sweet, creamy, and fruity dessert that layers the tangy richness of cheesecake with juicy strawberry pie filling and a golden, buttery cake topping—all in one pan. No mixer, no frosting, and no stress—just dump everything in and bake.
Perfect for potlucks, lazy bakers, or when you want a taste of cheesecake without all the work!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍰 No Mixing Required: Just layer ingredients—no bowls, no batter, no mess!
- 🧀 Cheesecake Layer Magic: Creamy pockets of sweetened cream cheese swirl into the fruit while baking.
- 🍓 Fruity Base: Strawberry pie filling gives bold flavor and gooey texture without extra prep.
- 🥣 Crispy Cake Crust: The dry cake mix and melted butter create a golden, crunchy top naturally as it bakes.
- 🎉 Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A favorite at family gatherings, school events, or weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients (Makes 12–16 servings):
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling (do not drain – use whole)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese , softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cake Topping:
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (15.25 oz / 430g)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , melted
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Filling
Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Smooth it out slightly with a spatula so the fruit layer is even.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In a bowl, beat:
- Cream cheese until smooth
- Add sugar and vanilla extract
Mix until fully combined and light in texture.
Tip: Use a hand mixer or whisk by hand if cream cheese is very soft.
Step 4: Dollop the Cheesecake Mixture
Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer.
Use a spatula to gently spread into an even layer—don’t stir it into the fruit layer.
Step 5: Sprinkle Dry Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cheesecake layer.
Don’t mix—this is what creates the signature dump cake texture.
Step 6: Pour Melted Butter Over the Top
Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix.
Make sure all the dry mix gets lightly coated for a crisp, golden finish.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
The middle may still look slightly soft—that’s okay—it firms up as it cools.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the dump cake cool for 15 minutes before serving warm.
Serve straight from the pan—no need for frosting!
Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Softened Cream Cheese Only: Helps avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- 🍓 Add Fresh Strawberries: For extra color and texture—place a few fresh slices between layers.
- 🧁 White Chocolate Drizzle: Adds a gourmet touch after baking.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Reheats beautifully—store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerate.
- 🧊 Chill for Firmer Texture: For a more cheesecake-like consistency, refrigerate before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk.
- Great at baby showers, church dinners, or backyard barbecues.
- Perfect for gifting in individual portions wrapped in parchment paper.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 12 servings):
(Without optional toppings – approximate values)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~16g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~22g
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that amazing desserts don’t always require complicated steps. With its soft strawberry base, creamy cheesecake ribbons, and crispy cake topping—it’s the ultimate shortcut dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you try it—you won’t need any other cake in your life!
