Intro

Some desserts don’t need precision or perfection—they just need a spoon, a warm oven, and a little faith. That’s exactly how this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe stole my heart.

I first made it on a whim, late afternoon light spilling across the kitchen, strawberries bubbling away in the oven while cream cheese melted into something impossibly creamy underneath a buttery cake topping. I remember standing there thinking, This smells like a bakery and a summer picnic had a baby.

As a female chef, I love recipes that give you that “wow” moment without demanding every ounce of your attention. This is one of those desserts. You don’t mix, you don’t fuss, you don’t stress.

You layer, you bake, and you let the oven do the magic. The result is cozy, gooey, tangy-sweet perfection that tastes far more indulgent than the effort it takes to make.

If you’re craving a dessert that feels nostalgic yet impressive, this homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is the kind of thing you make once and then find yourself dreaming about the next time you’ll bake it.

What is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple baked dessert where ingredients are layered directly into a baking dish—no mixing bowls required. A sweet strawberry base forms the bottom, creamy pockets of cheesecake filling melt through the middle, and a buttery cake layer bakes into a golden, slightly crisp topping.

What makes this a classic Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe so special is the contrast. You get warm, jammy strawberries, rich cream cheese, and that soft-yet-crispy cake texture all in one bite. It’s part cheesecake, part cobbler, part cake—and entirely comforting.

Why This Dessert Works So Well

From a chef’s perspective, this recipe succeeds because of how the layers interact as they bake. The strawberries bubble and thicken, the cream cheese softens into luscious pockets, and the dry cake mix absorbs melted butter to form a tender topping. Nothing needs to be perfect for it to turn out beautifully.

It’s also incredibly forgiving. Slightly uneven butter coverage? Still delicious. Extra strawberries? Even better. That’s what makes this an easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe you can trust.

Equipment List

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how little cleanup it requires:

9×13-inch baking dish
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cup
Knife (for slicing butter)

Ingredient

Simple ingredients, big payoff.

2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix
¾ cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Optional ingredients:

Fresh strawberries for extra fruit
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish so nothing sticks once the strawberries start bubbling.

Step 2: Create the Strawberry Base

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. The bright red color and sweet aroma already hint at what’s coming.

Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Layer

Scatter the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the strawberries. As it bakes, the cream cheese will soften and melt into creamy pockets.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the entire dish. Don’t stir—this layering is what creates the magic.

Step 5: Finish with Butter

Lay the sliced butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. This helps the topping bake up golden and tender.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the dump cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle while staying warm and gooey.

Flavor and Texture Experience

This dessert is all about contrast. The strawberries are sweet and slightly tangy, the cream cheese adds richness, and the cake topping is buttery with just a hint of crispness. Served warm, it’s comforting and indulgent in the best possible way.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert shines on its own, but a few additions take it over the top:

Vanilla ice cream melting into the warm cake
Fresh whipped cream
A sprinkle of powdered sugar

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe fits beautifully into real-life schedules.

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave
Serve chilled for a cheesecake-like texture

Easy Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s fun to experiment:

Swap strawberry for cherry or blueberry pie filling
Use chocolate cake mix for a richer twist
Add sliced almonds on top for crunch

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to add sugar and a thickener like cornstarch.

Why is my topping still powdery?
Try adding a little more butter or spreading it more evenly next time.

Can I freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
It can be frozen, but the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. It’s warm, comforting, and wonderfully indulgent, the kind of recipe you make when you want something sweet without overthinking it. From my kitchen to yours, this is one dessert that never fails to bring smiles to the table.

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