Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Filling
Open the can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Use a spoon or spatula to gently level it out. This will be your juicy, fruity base.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy—no lumps.

Using a spoon, dollop the mixture across the top of the strawberry layer. Then gently spread it out with a spatula, leaving some spots slightly uncovered for a swirled look if you like.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Take your dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of the dish. There’s no need to stir or pat it down.

Just make sure you cover all the cream cheese and strawberry layers underneath.

Step 5: Drizzle the Butter and Milk
Melt your butter and drizzle it slowly over the dry cake mix, trying to moisten as much surface area as possible.

Follow with the milk, drizzling it evenly across the top. This combination will help the cake mix form a rich, golden crust as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

You may notice some areas bubbling up with strawberry filling—that’s a good sign.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly and makes slicing easier.

Top each serving with whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries for an elegant finish.