Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: It comes together in under an hour with minimal prep.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or family dinners.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients for different flavors.
- No advanced skills needed: Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cans (20 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the strawberry filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, ensuring it covers the layers completely.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. Optionally, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs for added texture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Change the filling: Substitute the strawberry pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or apple for a new twist.
- Add a crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top.
- Chocolate lovers: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow or white cake mix.
- Extra creaminess: Add a second layer of cream cheese for a more decadent dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a sauce-like consistency.
2. What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow and white cake mixes are ideal, but you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even strawberry.
3. Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
No, they are optional but add a delightful crunch and a cheesecake-like touch.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.
5. How do I know when the dump cake is done?
The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center may still show some cream cheese, which is normal.
6. Can I add toppings before baking?
Certainly! Chopped nuts or shredded coconut make great additions.
7. How do I serve this dessert?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
8. Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake it the day before, then reheat it in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a creamy, fruity, and buttery dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Featuring strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, and a golden cake topping, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings or weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly across the dish’s bottom.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the filling.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To customize, swap strawberry filling with cherry, apple, or blueberry.
- Optional toppings include chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American