Okay, friend, are you ready to make something truly magical with minimal effort? Imagine a dessert that tastes like a slice of heaven, bursting with sweet strawberry and creamy cheesecake flavors, all nestled in a buttery, golden crust. This Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is so ridiculously easy, it’s almost embarrassing – but the results? Prepare to be blown away! Let’s bake something amazing together.
Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients
Here is everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward!
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the heart of our cheesecake flavor! Make sure it’s nice and soft for smooth blending.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic cheesecake texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheesecake layer together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
For the Strawberry Dump Cake Layer:
- 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling: This is our shortcut ingredient! Feel free to use your favorite brand.
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix: The classic choice, but white or even strawberry cake mix works wonderfully!
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Cold butter is key to that crumbly, buttery topping.
Step-by-Step to a Slice of Paradise
Let’s get down to the fun part! Don’t be intimidated – this is truly a breeze.
Prepping the Cheesecake Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a snap.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer makes this super easy, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too!
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Assembling the Dump Cake:
- Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This forms the fruity base of our dessert.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, spreading it as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the strawberries; it will all bake together beautifully.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Try to distribute it uniformly for even baking.
- Evenly distribute the cold, cubed butter over the cake mix. This is where the magic happens! The cold butter will melt and create a delicious, crumbly topping.
Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. This is important! It allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Why This Recipe is Simply the Best
There are plenty of dump cake recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons. First, the cheesecake layer adds a richness and depth of flavor that you just don’t get with other recipes. It elevates it from a simple dump cake to a truly decadent dessert. Secondly, the use of cold butter is crucial for that perfect crumbly topping. And finally, the combination of strawberry and cheesecake is simply irresistible!
Troubleshooting Your Dump Cake Dreams
Even with such an easy recipe, things can sometimes go a little sideways. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Topping is too dry: Make sure your butter is cold and evenly distributed. If you still have dry spots, you can drizzle a little melted butter over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Filling is too runny: Make sure you cool the cake completely before serving. This allows the filling to set. If it’s still too runny, you may have slightly underbaked it. Next time, bake for a few extra minutes.
- Cake is browning too quickly: If the topping is browning too fast, tent the cake with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Tips and Tricks for Cheesecake Dump Cake Success
Want to take your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:
- Add a swirl of strawberry jam: Before baking, swirl a spoonful of strawberry jam into the cream cheese layer for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
- Top with fresh strawberries: Once the cake has cooled, top it with sliced fresh strawberries for a beautiful and delicious garnish.
- Use different pie fillings: Get creative and try different pie fillings! Blueberry, cherry, or even apple would be delicious.
- Add a sprinkle of nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter for a nutty crunch.
Variations to Make it Your Own
The beauty of dump cakes is their versatility. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! Consider these delicious variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake: Use blueberry pie filling and add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix.
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake: Use peach pie filling and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake mix.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Pairings
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy texture.
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce: For the chocolate lovers out there!
- A cup of coffee or tea: The perfect warm beverage to enjoy with your slice of heaven.
Other Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious desserts, I think you’ll also love these recipes. They’re just as simple to make and just as satisfying to eat!
- If you are craving something with a bit more spice, give these APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE COOKIES a try!
- For a delicious fall treat, check out FALL CHEESECAKE COOKIE BOMBS. These are always a crowd pleaser!
- Looking for something a bit more exotic? Why not try CHURRO CHEESECAKE?
- For a fun and festive dessert, you simply must make DREAMIEST SUGAR COOKIE CHEESECAKE.
- And for a fall-themed twist, try CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BLISS.
Let’s Celebrate!
And there you have it! Your very own Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, ready to impress with its amazing flavor and ease of preparation. I know you will just love this recipe! So go ahead, bake up a batch and share the joy with your friends and family. You deserve a delicious treat!
Can I use a different type of cake mix besides yellow?
Yes, you can! While yellow cake mix is a classic choice, the recipe suggests that white or even strawberry cake mix would work wonderfully.
What makes this strawberry cheesecake dump cake better than other dump cake recipes?
This recipe includes a cheesecake layer, which adds a richness and depth of flavor not found in typical dump cakes. Also, using cold butter is key for achieving that perfect crumbly topping.
What can I do if the topping of my dump cake is browning too quickly in the oven?
If the topping is browning too fast, tent the cake with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Are there any variations I can make to this recipe?
Yes! You can try different pie fillings like blueberry, cherry, or apple. You can also add a swirl of strawberry jam to the cream cheese layer, top with fresh strawberries after baking, or sprinkle chopped nuts over the cake mix before adding the butter.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling, spreading it as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Evenly distribute the cold, cubed butter over the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.