As the crisp air of fall rolls in and leaves turn shades of amber and gold, there’s something undeniably comforting about baking. The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe captures that cozy, nostalgic feeling in every bite. Imagine the warmth of a bubbling, creamy cheesecake base, layered with sweet strawberry filling and a buttery golden cake top all without the hassle of mixing bowls or complicated techniques.
This recipe has become a reader favorite at Fresh Leaf Rezepte not only for its simplicity but because it brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a holiday potluck, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just because strawberries are in season, this dish delivers. And best of all? It takes just minutes to prep.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, foolproof Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with a creamy cheesecake swirl, sweet strawberry pie filling, and a buttery golden cake topping—no mixing bowls, no fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- Optional: sliced fresh strawberries or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries (no need to swirl).
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, then drizzle the milk.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Tips: Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. For gluten-free, swap in a 1:1 gluten-free yellow cake mix. Add a quick streusel (1/4 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup flour + 2 tbsp butter, optional pecans) before baking for crunch. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat to serve. Great in individual ramekins for mini desserts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to make this luscious strawberry cheesecake dump cake:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- Optional: sliced strawberries or chopped nuts for topping
This cake uses basic pantry staples, and every ingredient plays its role perfectly—bringing balance to the tartness of strawberries and richness of cream cheese.
Looking for another easy seasonal favorite? Check out this Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf or our cozy Apple Cinnamon Bread Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
You don’t need any fancy equipment just a baking dish and a spoon. Follow these steps for guaranteed success.
1. Preheat and prep.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the cheesecake layer.
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. This adds the creamy cheesecake swirl that elevates the dump cake from simple to sensational.
3. Dump the strawberry filling.
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
4. Add cheesecake dollops.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture in dollops over the strawberry layer. No need to swirl—it’ll naturally marble as it bakes.
5. Sprinkle the cake mix.
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over everything. Don’t stir.
6. Drizzle with butter and milk.
Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, then drizzle the milk. This helps create that signature soft crust and golden top.
7. Bake it up.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Want more fuss-free bakes? You’ll love the Strawberry Danish Recipe and Sweet Sourdough Pumpkin Bread.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix. This isn’t your typical cake. The magic lies in the “dump” method. Trust it.
- Use full-fat cream cheese. It gives the richest, creamiest texture.
- Make it pretty. Add a few fresh strawberries on top before serving for a bakery style finish.
- Bake uncovered. That golden crust needs space to crisp up beautifully.
Looking for a lighter bite? Our Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes are a fall-friendly treat too.
Easy Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Version
Swap in a 1-to-1 gluten free yellow cake mix. That’s it. Everything else stays the same and still delivers dreamy results.
Streusel Topping
Craving a little crunch? Before baking, add a simple streusel:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp butter, cut in
- Optional: chopped pecans
Sprinkle it on top of the dry cake mix before drizzling the butter.
Berry Mix-Up
Replace half the strawberry filling with raspberry or blueberry pie filling for a mixed berry flavor bomb.
Make it Mini
Use individual ramekins for personal servings perfect for dinner parties.
Inspired by layered desserts like Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Trifle Jars? This recipe is an excellent sheet-pan version for effortless serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage Tips
Let your dump cake cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. To crisp up the top again, pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Also love make-ahead desserts? You might enjoy Heavenly Summer Peach Bars or the fan-favorite One-Pot Salted Caramel Cheesecake.
FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
1. Can I make this with fresh strawberries?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to mimic pie filling. Otherwise, the cake may turn out dry.
2. Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely. White or vanilla cake mix works great too. Avoid chocolate as it overwhelms the strawberry-cheesecake flavors.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and milk. The results will still be creamy and delicious.
4. Can I serve it cold?
Yes, though it’s best warm. Chilled, it turns into a firmer bar-like dessert, similar to cheesecake.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is a cozy fall dessert that combines ease with indulgence. Whether you’re hosting friends, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a quick bake, this one checks all the boxes. Sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake it’s everything we love about dessert with none of the stress.
Bake it once, and it’ll become a repeat star in your kitchen.