Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Creamy, fruity, and utterly comforting, Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that disappears fast at family gatherings. With layers of sweet strawberry pie filling, tangy cream cheese, and a golden, buttery cake topping, this dessert delivers classic cheesecake flavor without the fuss. Fun fact: dump cakes earned their name because you literally “dump” ingredients into a dish and bake—no complex mixing or crust rolling required. If you enjoy simple crowd-pleasers, this recipe is a must-try and a great shortcut when you want dessert fast. For a similar take on quick berry desserts, check out this strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe for more inspiration. Give it a go—your family will thank you.

What is Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

What makes this dessert “Donna Wood” named? Who knows—was Donna the genius who first thought to pair store-bought pie filling with cream cheese and cake mix? Maybe. Isn’t it delightful when a simple idea becomes legendary? This dessert plays on the old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” It’s playful, nostalgic, and perfect for potlucks. Imagine asking where you learned the recipe and replying, “Oh, Donna told me”—and everyone believing it. Try it and decide for yourself whether Donna gets credit for a delicious shortcut.

Why You’ll Love This

• Irresistible texture: The creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese tucked beneath a sweet strawberry filling and finished with a crisp, buttery cake topping creates a perfect contrast—soft center, golden top, and juicy pockets of strawberries.
• Budget-friendly and quick: Using pantry staples like canned pie filling and boxed cake mix makes this dessert affordable and ideal for last-minute hosting.
• Flavorful toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates each bite and makes the dessert feel festive and indulgent.

Compared to a homemade baked cheesecake, this dump cake is far less time-consuming while still delivering cheesecake-like flavors. It’s the perfect shortcut for busy bakers who still want rewarding results. Make it today and enjoy something simple yet impressive.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is impressively simple, taking about 10 minutes to assemble and 40 to 45 minutes to bake. You’ll love the balance of creamy and fruity textures with a golden, slightly crunchy top. The standout element is the cream cheese pockets that melt into the strawberry filling, creating a cheesecake-like ribbon throughout the dessert.

Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 to 45 minutes
Total time: about 50 to 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans (21 ounces each) strawberry pie filling
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 box yellow cake mix (standard 15.25-ounce size)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup whipped cream (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the strawberry pie filling in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth; drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the strawberry filling.
4. Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering it as evenly as possible.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
7. Let it cool slightly, then serve topped with whipped cream.

What to Serve With

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and helps cool warm bites.
• Fresh berry salad: Lightens the plate with a refreshing, slightly tart contrast.
• Coffee or tea: Balanced beverages like a medium roast coffee or a fragrant black tea complement the sweetness nicely.
• Lemon curd drizzle: For a bright, citrusy contrast that cuts through the richness.
• Whipped cream or mascarpone: A dollop on top adds extra decadence.

Top Tips for Perfecting

• Soften the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it mixes smoothly and creates creamy pockets rather than lumps.
• Even butter coverage: Use a spoon or small measuring cup to drizzle the melted butter evenly so the cake mix browns uniformly.
• Check for doneness: The top should be golden brown and slightly firm. If the center is still jiggly after 45 minutes, tent lightly with foil and bake a few minutes longer.
• Substitute options: Swap strawberry pie filling with cherry or blueberry for variation. Use a white cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Avoid soggy topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped nuts or coconut over the cake mix before drizzling butter.
• Make-ahead note: Assemble the dessert and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking—increase bake time by 5 to 10 minutes if baking from chilled.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze an unbaked assembled dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Baked leftovers can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Top with fresh whipped cream or ice cream just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will release more liquid. Use about 4 cups of hulled, sliced strawberries mixed with 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken before adding to the dish.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter, and choose a vegan yellow cake mix. Results will be similar though slightly different in richness.

How do I prevent the topping from becoming too dry?
Drizzle the butter evenly and avoid over-baking. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent foil loosely over the dish for the remaining bake time.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely. White or even strawberry-flavored cake mix can enhance the berry notes. Chocolate will create a more unconventional but tasty contrast.

Is this recipe suitable for potlucks and parties?
Yes. It’s easy to transport, serves a crowd, and can be baked just before serving or reheated on-site if needed.

Conclusion

Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines creamy cheesecake-like pockets, juicy strawberries, and a golden buttery topping—perfect for weeknight desserts, potlucks, or a lazy weekend treat. It’s forgiving, quick to assemble, and delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. If you want to read more about the origins or variations of this exact recipe, check out Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for additional context and serving ideas. Give this one a try and enjoy the compliments.