What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced (optional)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Feel free to customize this recipe! You can use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling or swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version.
Step-by-step instructions
- 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 baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl, combining everything until it’s well mixed.
- Spoon dollops of this creamy mixture across the strawberry layer.
- Evenly distribute the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover it.
- Drizzle melted butter all over the cake mix to ensure it’s well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few moments, then serve up slices with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake experience, consider these serving suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added pop of color and freshness.
- Serve warm right out of the oven, allowing the creamy layers to meld beautifully with the strawberry filling.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent twist that will entice chocolate lovers.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Got some leftovers? Here’s how to store your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake and keep it fresh for another treat:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it.
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Extra advice
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Soften the cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Experiment with flavors: Consider adding a dash of almond extract for an intriguing twist.
- Be generous with the butter: Drizzling melted butter is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden top.
Creative twists
Mix things up with these fun variations on the classic Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
- Use different fruit fillings: Replace strawberry filling with blueberry, peach, or cherry for new flavor profiles.
- Coconut lovers rejoice!: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cake mixture for a tropical flair.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds on top for an extra crunch.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time for this recipe is about 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 40-45 minutes, so you can have this delightful dessert ready in just under an hour!
Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Absolutely! Fresh or homemade strawberry filling can add a personal touch to the cake, enhancing its freshness and flavor.
Is it safe to freeze?
Yes, this dump cake freezes well! Just make sure it’s cooled and stored properly in an airtight container. Reheat slices as needed, and enjoy a piece of summer at any time of year.
