Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend! This delightful treat combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries, all topped with a golden cake layer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet or for family gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Plus, whether it’s a picnic or a cozy dinner at home, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dessert in the oven in under 20 minutes.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the creamy texture and fruity flavor—perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it easy to adapt.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored until you’re ready to serve, allowing you more time to relax with your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this scrumptious strawberry cheesecake dump cake, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge!

For the Cake

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (or 1 cup strawberry preserves)
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or gluten-free cake mix)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Fresh mint leaves
• Chocolate shavings

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Use Different Fruits: Swap out strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different fruity twist.
• Try Different Cream Cheese Flavors: Experiment with flavored cream cheese like strawberry or vanilla for an extra layer of taste.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or nuts on top before baking for added texture.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps release the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a lovely base for your dessert.

Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining sugar until smooth. This step is crucial as it creates that rich cheesecake layer we all adore. Properly mixing will ensure there are no lumps!

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer in those juicy strawberries first. Next, dollop the creamy mixture over them. This layering creates a beautiful contrast when baked.

Step 5: Add Cake Mix

Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This forms that delicious topping we crave in dump cakes!

Step 6: Pour on Butter and Milk

Drizzle the melted butter over everything and pour milk on top of the cake mix. The liquid helps bind everything together as it bakes.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will surely entice everyone!

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Let your dessert cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief wait allows everything to set beautifully while still being warm enough to enjoy right away!

And there you have it—a wonderful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Making this delightful dessert is a breeze, but a few tips can enhance your results even more!

• Choose ripe strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will maximize the flavor of your dump cake and provide natural sweetness that complements the cream cheese.

• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature: Softening the cream cheese makes it easier to blend smoothly with sugar, resulting in a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving helps it set up nicely and makes for easier slicing.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

• Use gluten-free cake mix if needed: If you’re catering to gluten sensitivities, swap in a gluten-free cake mix without sacrificing taste—everyone will enjoy this treat!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Presenting this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can delight your guests and elevate their dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cheesecake flavors.
• Fresh mint leaves: Sprinkling a few fresh mint leaves not only adds color but also introduces a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness.
• Chocolate shavings: For chocolate lovers, adding chocolate shavings as a garnish brings an indulgent twist to this already decadent dessert.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and enhances the fruity flavors of the dump cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the warm cake beautifully while adding an extra layer of richness.
• Lemon sorbet: For those looking for something lighter, lemon sorbet offers a tartness that cuts through the sweetness and refreshes the palate.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving coffee or a soothing herbal tea alongside your dessert creates a cozy experience perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake will surely impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every delightful bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat any time of the week without much fuss!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the cake into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert.

Can I make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.

How long does it take to prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe?

The total time is about one hour, with 20 minutes for prep and around 40-45 minutes for baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with sugar.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. It works perfectly in this recipe!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and happiness to any gathering or quiet evening at home. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations with me! Happy baking!