Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert that brings together the delightful flavors of strawberry pie filling and creamy cheesecake, all topped with a delicious cake layer. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this one-pan treat is both simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout dessert for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time enjoying your dessert! Everything bakes beautifully in one dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves 8, making it great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, with fresh strawberries or whipped cream on top for an extra treat!
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of sweet strawberries and rich cheesecake creates a delightful taste experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful dessert, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size for this dump cake; it allows all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures the cream cheese mixture is smooth and fluffy for a creamy texture throughout the cake.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls; it helps incorporate all ingredients thoroughly without wasting any.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
For the Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your dump cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This forms the fruity base of your cake.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. It’s okay if it looks messy—those little pockets of cheesecake are part of what makes this dessert special!
Step 5: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Don’t stir; just let it sit on top so that it bakes into a lovely golden layer.
Step 6: Melt Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Ensure every area gets some butter for optimal moisture during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 8: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is as easy as it is delightful. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or cold and pairs beautifully with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavors.
Classic Toppings
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, airy texture that complements the rich cheesecake.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced strawberries not only look beautiful but also add a fresh burst of flavor.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cake, making each bite creamy and decadent.
- Strawberry Sorbet: For a fruitier touch, serve with strawberry sorbet for an extra layer of strawberry goodness.
Serving Suggestions
- In Individual Cups: For a fun presentation, serve portions in small cups or jars topped with crushed graham crackers.
- On a Dessert Board: Create a dessert board with slices of the dump cake alongside other desserts for a festive gathering.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake even better, follow these simple tips that will enhance its taste and appearance.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries or high-quality pie filling for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the cream cheese, be careful not to overmix; you want some small lumps for texture.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Consider adding crushed graham crackers on top before baking for an added crunch.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake while baking, as ovens may vary; check for golden edges and set center.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Fondue: Serve alongside chocolate fondue for dipping fresh fruit or pieces of cake.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola provides texture and pairs well with the creamy cheesecake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses enhances flavors—try soft cheeses like brie with crackers.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness nicely, making it perfect for after-dinner enjoyment.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love variety, these bars provide a rich contrast to the lightness of the dump cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Not Prepping Your Baking Dish: Always grease your baking dish before adding ingredients. This will prevent sticking and ensure perfect slices.
- Ignoring the Cream Cheese Temperature: If your cream cheese is too cold, it won’t blend well. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Overmixing the Cream Cheese Mixture: Be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the light cheesecake pockets you want.
- Skipping Toppings: Don’t forget fresh strawberries and whipped cream! They add flavor and make your dessert visually appealing.
- Not Letting It Cool: Allow your dump cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps set the layers and enhances flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 30-60 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a non-stick pan, covered, for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to add sugar and cornstarch for sweetness and thickness.
How do I know when my cake is done?
The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I customize my Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Absolutely! You can swap in different fruit fillings or try flavored cream cheese for unique variations.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13 inch baking dish works best for this recipe, providing ample space for all layers.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not only simple to prepare but also a delightful treat that appeals to everyone. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings according to your preference. Try it out at your next gathering—your guests will love it!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This easy-to-make dessert features layers of luscious strawberry pie filling and creamy cheesecake, all topped with a golden cake layer. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings, this one-pan treat is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With only 10 minutes of prep time required, you can enjoy this delicious dessert warm or cold, garnished with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the strawberry filling.
- Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top without stirring.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving; garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
