Craving a dessert that hits every note — creamy, fruity, buttery, and sweet — without spending hours in the kitchen? The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your answer. This crowd-pleaser combines layers of tangy strawberry pie filling, rich cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake mix topping, all brought together with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, quick baking recipes, or delicious food ideas for a party or potluck, this dump cake delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Serve it chilled for a summer treat or warm for a cozy winter dessert. It’s simple, spectacular, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves the combination of strawberries and cheesecake.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm out of the oven or chilled in the fridge; both options are delightful.
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry items, making it accessible to everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or switch up the fruit based on seasonal availability.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Electric mixer: Ensures that the cream cheese mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfectly sized to hold all the ingredients and allows for even baking.

Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Filling
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or whole (optional for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How to Make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that nothing sticks during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Strawberry Filling
In your greased baking dish:
1. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Mixture
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Gently spread it out using a spatula.
Step 5: Top with Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 6: Drizzle Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Aim to cover as much surface as possible for even moisture.
Step 7: Bake
Place in preheated oven and bake for about 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 8: Cool Down
Let it cool for approximately 30 minutes before serving. If desired, chill in the refrigerator to firm up layers further.
Step 9: Garnish Before Serving
Top with thawed whipped topping. Optionally garnish with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delightful creation!
How to Serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will help you create the perfect presentation.
Individual Portions
- Use small dessert cups or ramekins to serve individual portions. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own serving and adds a touch of elegance.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful texture that everyone will love.
Chilled Delight
- For a refreshing twist, chill the dump cake before serving. It’s especially great during hot summer days, providing a cool dessert option that is still rich and satisfying.
Garnished Elegance
- Top each slice with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This adds color and extra flavor, making your dessert visually appealing while enhancing its taste.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add an elegant finish. It not only looks beautiful but also adds a hint of sweetness.
How to Perfect The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Perfecting The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out flawlessly every time.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh strawberries and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Don’t Skip Cooling Time: Allow the dump cake to cool before serving. This helps the layers set properly for better slicing.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract for an extra flavor boost that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Store Correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Best Side Dishes for The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
When pairing side dishes with The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, consider options that complement its rich flavors without overpowering them. Here are some fantastic choices:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake dump cake.
- Light Whipped Cream: Serve alongside lightly sweetened whipped cream for added creaminess that enhances each bite.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats provide an indulgent addition that pairs beautifully with strawberry flavors.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome option that offers texture and tanginess.
- Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet provides a tart contrast that cuts through the richness of the dump cake.
- Nutty Granola Bars: These offer crunch and promote healthy snacking alongside your dessert, keeping things balanced and satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, avoiding common mistakes can help ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.
- Boldly Mixing Ingredients: Overmixing the cream cheese and sugar can lead to a dense cheesecake layer. Mix just until smooth for a light texture.
- Boldly Skipping the Grease: Not greasing the baking dish can cause the cake to stick. Always grease it well to ensure easy removal.
- Boldly Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long may dry out the cake. Start checking for doneness at 40 minutes to achieve that perfect golden top.
- Boldly Forgetting Toppings: Neglecting to add whipped topping or fresh strawberries means missing out on flavor and presentation. Always finish with toppings for a delicious look and taste.
- Boldly Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese can create lumps in your mixture. Soften it fully for a smooth blend.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- item The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lasts up to 3 days when properly stored.
Freezing The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- item Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- item It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Bold Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Bold Microwave Method: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Bold Stovetop Method: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed, which helps keep moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Can I use different fruit fillings?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or cherry for varied flavors.
How do I make The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten-free?
To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of regular.
What is the best way to serve The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat or warm it slightly for a comforting dessert experience.
Can I customize The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Absolutely! You can customize by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even switching up the fruit toppings.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Its layers of flavor and texture make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your toppings or use different fruit fillings to suit your taste. This dessert is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone wanting more!
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Craving a dessert that combines creamy, fruity, buttery, and sweet flavors without the fuss? The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is here to satisfy your cravings effortlessly. This delightful dessert features layers of tangy strawberry pie filling and rich cream cheese, all topped with a buttery golden cake mix. Perfect for any occasion, from summer gatherings to cozy winter evenings, this crowd-pleaser invites everyone to indulge in its comforting flavors. Serve it warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing delight—either way, it’s bound to impress!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or whole (optional for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and spread gently.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the cheesecake layer and drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 30 minutes before serving; chill if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg