Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls of your cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Spread it around gently, making sure some of the strawberry filling remains visible.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your serving game, consider pairing your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar can give it that restaurant-style finish.
How to store & freeze
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can keep the cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You might want to cover it with plastic wrap to avoid it absorbing any other flavors in the fridge. If you plan to keep it longer, this dump cake can also be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
For optimal results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this helps it blend smoothly. If you’re short on time, you can use whipped cream cheese for a quicker mix. Additionally, try to avoid overmixing the cream cheese; you want a creamy texture, not a whipped one.
Recipe variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You could switch up the fruit by using blueberry, cherry, or even peach pie filling. Want to reduce sugar? Opt for a sugar-free cake mix or use Greek yogurt in lieu of cream cheese for a lighter alternative. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to tailor this dessert to your taste!
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! You can use fresh sliced strawberries, but remember to add some sugar to sweeten them up, as they may not be as sweet as the pie filling.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, it should last for about five days, but we bet it won’t stick around that long!
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just ensure it’s covered and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best flavor experience!
