Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Easy, Creamy & Irresistible

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the comforting texture of a buttery cake, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dessert has become a favorite for both weeknight treats and special occasions. The best part? It’s a “dump cake,” meaning you layer your ingredients, bake, and enjoy—no complicated steps or baking skills required.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it balances flavors and textures effortlessly. The strawberry filling provides fruity sweetness and moisture, while the cream cheese layer adds a tangy creaminess that mimics classic cheesecake. The cake mix on top bakes into a soft yet slightly crisp topping, giving every bite a perfect contrast. Drizzling melted butter over the dry cake mix ensures a golden, rich, and slightly crunchy crust that complements the soft layers underneath. It’s an easy, no-fail way to make a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Before diving into the recipe, gather your ingredients to make the process seamless:

Ingredients:

1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional: fresh strawberries for garnish

Tools:

9×13-inch baking dish

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer or whisk

Spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

Having everything ready ensures your dessert comes together quickly, which is part of the charm of a dump cake.

How To Make This Recipe

Follow these steps to create the ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Proper greasing prevents the cake from sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a juicy, fruity base that will infuse flavor into every bite of the cake.

Tip: Use a spatula to smooth it out for even layering.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. The cream cheese doesn’t need to be perfectly spread; it will bake into beautiful pockets of cheesecake goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Do not mix it in. The cake mix will create the topping that bakes into a slightly crisp, buttery crust.

Step 5: Drizzle With Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible. This step ensures the cake bakes to a golden perfection with a rich, buttery flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly along the edges. Keep an eye on it in the last 5 minutes; you want a perfectly baked crust without over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm straight from the oven or at room temperature. The dessert is rich and indulgent, so slightly cooled slices are easier to cut and plate.

Tips + Tricks For Recipe Success

Use room temperature cream cheese – This ensures a smooth, creamy layer that mixes easily.

Try different pie fillings – Cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry fillings work beautifully.

Add fresh fruit – Sliced fresh strawberries on top elevate the flavor and presentation.

Serve with toppings – Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds another layer of indulgence.

Don’t overbake – Baking too long will dry out the top layer; the filling should remain slightly bubbly.

Storage tips – Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Make it ahead – Assemble the cake a few hours in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert is versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

Warm: Serve directly from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a gooey, indulgent treat.

Room temperature: Perfect for gatherings or potlucks. The flavors meld beautifully as the cake cools.

Garnished: Top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a professional touch.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few creative serving ideas to make your dessert stand out:

Pair with whipped cream and fresh mint for a light, refreshing contrast.

Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream to make it a decadent dessert parfait.

Serve in mini ramekins for individual portions at parties.

Top with toasted almonds or graham cracker crumbs for added texture.

Prep Time

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how quick it is to prepare:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 40–45 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

This makes it ideal for last-minute gatherings, weeknight desserts, or even a weekend treat.

Why Dump Cakes Are So Popular

Dump cakes are beloved for their simplicity. Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing, measuring liquids, and multiple steps, dump cakes allow you to layer ingredients and bake. The result is a dessert that tastes sophisticated without the hassle. The combination of sweet fruit, creamy layers, and a buttery cake topping is universally loved.

Tips for Baking Success

Use a glass or light-colored baking dish – This helps you monitor the baking process and prevents over-browning.

Evenly distribute butter – To ensure every part of the cake mix bakes properly, drizzle the butter slowly and cover as much area as possible.

Experiment with flavors – Vanilla cake mix works well, but yellow or even white cake mix can change the flavor slightly.

Check doneness – The top should be golden, and the edges should bubble. A toothpick inserted into the cake mix should come out mostly clean.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Mix a few tablespoons of cocoa into the cake mix for a chocolatey twist.

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Use a combination of blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry pie fillings.

Mini Dump Cakes: Use muffin tins for individual portions—perfect for parties or gifts.

Tips for Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a warm, gooey dessert.

Freeze slices individually, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Why Everyone Will Love This Dessert

The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its combination of flavors and textures. Sweet, fruity, creamy, and buttery—it’s a dessert that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a birthday, or a casual potluck, it’s guaranteed to impress without the stress of complicated baking.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and simplicity. The layers of strawberries, cream cheese, and buttery cake come together to create a dessert that is indulgent yet approachable. With minimal prep, flexible ingredients, and endless serving options, it’s the perfect recipe to keep in your baking repertoire.

Summary Table:

Step	Time	Notes
Prep	10 mins	Grease pan, gather ingredients
Layer Filling & Cheesecake	5 mins	Spread strawberry filling, drop cream cheese
Add Cake Mix & Butter	5 mins	Sprinkle dry mix, drizzle butter
Bake	40–45 mins	Top golden, edges bubbly
Cool & Serve	5–10 mins	Optional ice cream or fresh strawberries

Makes: 8–10 servings