Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a fun twist on the traditional dump cake, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavors of strawberries. This dessert is as easy as it is tasty, offering the indulgence of a cheesecake without the need for any complicated techniques. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What is a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
A Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an incredibly simple dessert that combines the concept of a traditional dump cake with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. Dump cakes are called such because you simply “dump” the ingredients into a pan and bake them, making this a super quick and effortless dessert to prepare.
This variation incorporates a cheesecake layer made from cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, while the top layer consists of a yellow cake mix, melted butter, and strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries. The result is a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and has just the right amount of sweetness.
For a more detailed understanding of dump cakes in general, visit this recipe from Allrecipes.
If you love fruity desserts, you’ll also want to check out this Strawberry Dump Cake recipe from Taste of Home, which takes a similar approach using strawberries as the star ingredient.
Why Choose a Dump Cake?
If you’re new to the concept of dump cakes, you might be wondering, “Why should I try one?” Here’s why:
- Quick and easy: The beauty of a dump cake is that it requires very little preparation. Simply layer your ingredients and bake!
- Minimal cleanup: Since everything is baked in one pan, you won’t have to spend time washing multiple dishes.
- Flexible: Dump cakes are highly customizable. You can switch up the fruit, the cake mix, and the add-ins to create your perfect dessert.
In short, dump cakes offer an easy way to make a crowd-pleasing dessert without the hassle. Plus, the result is always delicious!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 can of strawberry pie filling (or fresh strawberries)
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create the layers that make this dump cake so delectable. The cream cheese layer gives it a rich, cheesecake-like texture, while the strawberry pie filling adds a fruity, sweet flavor. The cake mix and butter combine to form a golden, crispy topping that completes the dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these easy steps to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add the strawberry layer: Pour the strawberry pie filling (or fresh strawberries if you prefer) over the cheesecake layer. Spread it out evenly.
- Add the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the strawberry layer. Don’t stir; just spread it out as evenly as possible.
- Top with butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. This will create a golden, crispy top layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations and Customizations
While the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is already fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and make it your own. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
- Use different fruits: While strawberries are the classic choice, you can swap out the strawberry pie filling for other fruits like cherries, blueberries, peaches, or raspberries. You can even use a mix of fruits for a tropical twist.
- Add-ins: For an extra crunch or texture, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cake mix. You could also stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Gluten-free option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your cream cheese and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
If you want to experiment with different flavor combinations, don’t hesitate to try various fruit and cake mix pairings. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- With whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to add a creamy element.
- For a fancy presentation, serve the cake in individual portions with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh mint leaves.
- Pair with a light, refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade for a perfect summer treat.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, this cake will be a hit.
Nutritional Information
Like most desserts, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 300-350 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
If you’re looking to make the recipe a bit lighter, you can:
- Swap out the butter for a healthier fat option like coconut oil.
- Use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Opt for a sugar-free cake mix or a lower-calorie cream cheese alternative.
This dessert can be tailored to fit a variety of dietary preferences and needs.
Storage and Shelf Life
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up for storage.
To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling? Yes, you can absolutely use fresh strawberries. Just cook them with a bit of sugar to make a sauce-like consistency, similar to pie filling.
2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free butter replacement like margarine or coconut oil.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply bake it, cool it completely, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It can even be frozen for up to three months.
4. Can I add other flavorings to the cheesecake layer? Absolutely! You can add a bit of lemon zest, cinnamon, or even some almond extract to the cheesecake layer to enhance the flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its rich cheesecake base, fruity strawberry layer, and golden topping, this dessert has everything you could ask for in a quick and comforting treat.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite flavors and variations. You’ll find that this dessert is as versatile as it is delicious. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delicious and effortless dessert combining the rich flavors of cheesecake with sweet strawberries and a golden cake topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled!
Notes
For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake dump cake, easy dessert, dump cake recipe, fruit cake