Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Creamy, fruity, and impossibly simple — this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort. Imagine a tangy cream cheese layer tucked between juicy strawberry pie filling and a golden, buttery cake topping that bubbles up perfectly in the oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknights, potlucks, and last-minute guests.

If you enjoy quick strawberry desserts, you might also like my twist on Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars — they share the same rich, creamy vibe but with a crunchy cookie crust: Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. This dump cake is especially great when you want dessert fast without sacrificing flavor. Ready to make something that tastes like it took hours but really didn’t? Let’s get baking!

What is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

Why is it called a dump cake? Does someone literally “dump” things into a pan and call it dinner? Kind of — and that’s the beauty of this recipe. A dump cake layers simple ingredients in a baking dish and lets the oven do the magic, so you get cheesecake-esque creaminess and juicy strawberries without complicated steps. Is it lazy or brilliant? Maybe a little of both. Fun fact: some cooks swear the best way to win hearts is in the kitchen, because “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try this one and you’ll see why. Go ahead — give it a whirl and enjoy the compliments.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Creamy meets fruity: A smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese layer complements sweet, jammy strawberry pie filling for a luscious contrast in every bite.
• Affordable and pantry-friendly: Using a boxed cake mix and canned pie filling keeps the cost low and the prep minimal — perfect for last-minute dessert plans or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Topping texture: The dry cake mix turned golden and crispy by melted butter forms a crackly, buttery top that balances the soft filling beneath.

This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. If you like layered strawberry desserts, don’t miss my take on Strawberry Cheesecake Lush for another dreamy option: Strawberry Cheesecake Lush. Now roll up those sleeves and enjoy a dessert that’s as easy to love as it is to make.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This dump cake comes together in about 10 minutes of hands-on prep and bakes in roughly 35–40 minutes. It’s easy enough for beginners: spread, dollop, sprinkle, drizzle, bake. The result is a satisfying mix of creamy filling, juicy fruit, and a crunchy, buttery top — creamy sauce, juicy pockets of strawberry, and a slightly crisp finish that makes every bite interesting.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (dry)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray so the cake releases easily.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 1–2 minutes for best results.
3. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the greased 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. Try to distribute them evenly; they’ll spread a little while baking.
5. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top, covering as much of the cream cheese and filling as possible. Don’t press it down — the dry mix helps create the crisp topping.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix in a mostly even pattern. Using a spoon to drizzle can help reach corners.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly and serve warm with fresh strawberry slices on top. Warm servings pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What to Serve With:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic combo.
• A light mint or lemon balm garnish to cut sweetness.
• Fresh fruit salad or roasted citrus to add a refreshing contrast.
• Hot coffee, iced tea, or a sparkling rosé for beverages that balance the dessert’s richness.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

• Soften cream cheese to room temperature so it whips smooth; cold blocks will make lumps.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use a sugar-free pie filling or reduce powdered sugar slightly.
• For a more rustic look, leave some spots of cream cheese visible rather than smoothing them completely.
• Avoid overbaking; you want bubbling edges but a moist interior. Check at 30 minutes and adjust accordingly.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Refrigeration: Cover leftover cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or bake the whole dish at 300°F until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). Add a fresh sprinkle of sliced strawberries before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes. If using fresh strawberries, toss them with 1/4–1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to create a jammy texture before layering. You may need to bake a bit longer for bubbling.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. If refrigerating longer, cover tightly and bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Use a certified gluten-free cake mix to make this gluten-free-friendly. Check other ingredient labels as needed.

Can I use a different fruit pie filling?
Absolutely — peach, cherry, or blueberry pie fillings work beautifully and create different seasonal variations.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Ensure the cake mix stays dry on top before baking; don’t stir it into the filling. Drizzling butter evenly helps it crisp during baking.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated — creamy, fruity, and topped with a golden, buttery crust, it’s comfort food you can put together in minutes and still impress people with. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. For another easy inspiration and to see a similar version with step-by-step photos, check out the original Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – girl. Inspired.