Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who crave simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Combining the ease of a dump cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake, this recipe features layers of luscious strawberry pie filling, a sweet cream cheese mixture, and a buttery cake topping. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight treat. The result is a delightful combination of textures and tastes, with the juicy strawberries complementing the creamy cheesecake and the golden, slightly crispy cake topping. Prepare to be amazed by how such a simple recipe can deliver such an impressive dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This ensures that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and is easy to serve.
Step 2: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer forms the fruity base of the cake, providing a burst of strawberry flavor in every bite.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. A smooth cream cheese layer adds the signature cheesecake element to the dessert.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer. Distribute it as uniformly as possible to ensure each bite has a balance of strawberry and cream cheese.
Step 5: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Make sure the cake mix covers the entire surface to create a consistent topping.
Step 6: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible to ensure it bakes into a golden, crispy topping. This creates the buttery, cake-like texture that makes this dump cake so irresistible.
Step 7: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on the cake to prevent burning. The top should be nicely browned, indicating that the cake mix has baked through.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh strawberries for extra flavor and an attractive presentation. This adds a fresh element and enhances the overall strawberry flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a winner for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and time. Just dump, spread, sprinkle, and bake!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberry, cream cheese, and buttery cake is a match made in heaven.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to potlucks and parties.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves it! The delightful flavors and textures are sure to impress family and friends.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect dessert pairing.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider using fresh strawberries in addition to the pie filling.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a chocolatey twist, use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Approximate values per serving – varies based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 200-250mg
Conclusion:
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity, combined with its delicious flavor and appealing presentation, makes it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special event, this dump cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the wonderful combination of strawberries, cream cheese, and buttery cake in every bite!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pie filling?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for strawberry pie filling, you can easily substitute it with other flavors such as cherry, blueberry, or apple. Each flavor will give the cake a unique twist, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Q2: What can I do if the top of the cake is browning too quickly?
A: If you notice the top of the cake browning too fast, you can cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help prevent the top from burning while ensuring the rest of the cake cooks through.
Q3: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese to reduce the overall fat content of the cake. However, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, and it may not be as creamy as when using full-fat cream cheese.
Q4: How should I store any leftover cake?
A: To store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Certainly! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the top of the cake before baking can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Simply sprinkle them over the cake mix before pouring the melted butter.
