When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, the No-Fuss Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect solution. This dessert combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake, the sweetness of strawberry pie filling, and the convenience of a cake mix, all in one easy-to-make treat. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, this cake is a breeze to put together, and it’s ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dessert for a family gathering or treat yourself to something special, this simple yet decadent dump cake is the perfect choice!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking. You can also use non-stick spray or butter for this step.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth and combined. This creamy mixture will form the luscious, cheesecake-like layer of your dump cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Dump Cake
Now comes the fun part! Start by spreading the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the pie filling. It’s okay if it doesn’t spread perfectly, as it will melt and spread during baking. Finally, evenly sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t stir or mix anything together – just layer the ingredients on top of each other.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter will help create a golden, crispy topping as it bakes and soak into the cake mix to provide moisture.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake mix will create a crumbly, crispy topping, while the strawberry pie filling and cream cheese will melt into a gooey, sweet layer. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Variation:
- Use Other Fruit Fillings: While strawberry is a classic choice, this dump cake recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap the strawberry pie filling for any fruit pie filling, such as blueberry, cherry, or peach. You can even mix and match for a fun fruit combo, like strawberries and raspberries.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer, more indulgent twist, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate) on top of the cake mix before baking. The chocolate will melt into the cake, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
- Nuts for Texture: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts will provide a wonderful crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy layers of the cake. Sprinkle them on top of the cake mix before baking.
Cooking Note:
- Watch the Top: As the cake bakes, keep an eye on the top to ensure it doesn’t get too dark. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover the top loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the pie filling is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out slightly before adding it to the pan. This ensures it spreads evenly and doesn’t create a thick, unspreadable layer.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Top each serving of dump cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light, airy contrast to the rich, fruity layers.
- Pair with Ice Cream: For a cool and creamy addition, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side pairs beautifully with the warm cake. Alternatively, try it with strawberry or chocolate ice cream for extra flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Garnish the cake with a few sliced fresh strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing, natural flavor to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Tips:
- Softer Cream Cheese: Be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps and won’t combine as smoothly with the powdered sugar.
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Mix: For the best crumbly texture on top, do not mix the dry cake mix with the filling. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its layers!
- Customize Your Dump Cake: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients. You can swap the cake mix for other flavors (like chocolate, lemon, or vanilla) or try different pie fillings based on what you have available.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Total Time:
55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 26g
FAQs:
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute for a warm dessert.
2. Can I make a gluten-free version of this dump cake? Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients, like the pie filling and powdered sugar, are gluten-free.
3. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling? If you’d prefer fresh strawberries, you can cook them down with a bit of sugar to make a simple strawberry compote. This can replace the canned strawberry pie filling. Simmer fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar until they break down and create a syrupy consistency.
4. Can I use a different kind of cheese? While cream cheese creates the signature cheesecake texture, you could try mascarpone for a creamier, milder taste, or even ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
The No-Fuss Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is everything you want in a dessert: easy, quick, and absolutely delicious. The layers of strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and sweet, buttery cake mix combine to make a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a simple weeknight treat, this dessert is sure to be a hit. No complicated steps, no long prep times—just a fuss-free, flavorful dessert the whole family will love. Enjoy it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress!