Description

Craving a dessert that’s bursting with strawberry flavor and creamy cheesecake goodness but requires minimal effort? Look no further than Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! This easy, crowd-pleasing treat layers sweet strawberry pie filling, rich cream cheese, and a buttery vanilla cake mix crumble for a dessert that tastes like a cheesecake and cobbler hybrid. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick sweet fix, this dump cake is as simple as it is delicious.

Ingredients

This dump cake comes together with just four ingredients that create a sweet, creamy, and crumbly dessert. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

Vanilla or French Vanilla Cake Mix (15.25 oz): Forms the buttery, crumbly topping with a sweet, tender texture.
Unsalted Butter (1 stick, melted): Combines with the cake mix to create a rich, golden crumble.
Cream Cheese (8 oz package): Adds a creamy, tangy layer reminiscent of cheesecake.
Strawberry Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Provides a sweet, juicy base with vibrant strawberry flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Cake Mix: Use yellow or white cake mix for a similar flavor, or try a lemon cake mix for a citrusy twist.
Butter: Swap for margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
Pie Filling: Substitute with cherry, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling for a different fruit flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the pie filling is gluten-free.
Add-Ins: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans) or white chocolate chips over the cream cheese for extra texture.

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cake Mix Crumble:
- In a medium bowl, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter (about ½ cup).
- Add the 15.25 oz vanilla or French vanilla cake mix to the melted butter.
- Mix with a fork until well combined and the mixture has a crumbly, sandy texture. Set aside.
Layer the Strawberry Filling:
- Pour 2 (21 oz) cans of strawberry pie filling into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula to cover the bottom of the dish.
Add the Cream Cheese:
- Open the 8 oz package of cream cheese and slice into thin pieces (about ⅛-inch thick).
- Lay the cream cheese slices evenly over the strawberry pie filling, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Top with Cake Mix Crumble:
- Sprinkle the crumbly cake mix mixture evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers, ensuring full coverage.
- Gently spread with a spatula if needed, but avoid pressing down too hard.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Check for doneness; bake an additional 5 minutes if the top isn’t golden or the filling isn’t bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes to set slightly.
- Serve warm, scooped into bowls, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Cooking Tips

Thin Cream Cheese Slices: Slice the cream cheese thinly to ensure it melts evenly and blends with the strawberry filling.
Even Layers: Spread the pie filling and cake mix crumble evenly for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Check Bubbling: Ensure the strawberry filling is bubbling to confirm the cake is fully baked and the flavors have melded.
Nonstick Spray: Don’t skip spraying the dish, as the sticky pie filling can adhere to the pan.