If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick, indulgent, and bursting with fruity flavor and creamy richness, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite recipe. Combining the lusciousness of cheesecake, the sweet brightness of strawberries, and the ease of a classic dump cake, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The best part? It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples and no mixer required.
In this full recipe article, we’ll walk through all the essential details — ingredients, step-by-step instructions, preparation tips, nutrition, customization options, and storage — everything you need to recreate this delicious dessert from scratch in your kitchen.
What Is a Dump Cake?
The term “dump cake” might not sound fancy, but it refers to one of the easiest desserts you can make. Traditionally, a dump cake involves “dumping” cake mix over fruit or pie filling in a pan and baking it until golden and bubbly. Think of it as a cross between a cobbler and a crisp — but with fewer steps and more sweetness.
This version levels up the traditional dump cake by adding a cheesecake twist. Dollops of sweetened cream cheese are nestled between the strawberries and cake mix, creating a decadent layer that’s creamy, tangy, and irresistibly rich.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
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Only 7 Ingredients: Simple, accessible items — no need for fancy tools or ingredients.
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No Mixing Required: Most of the ingredients are layered directly into the baking dish.
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Rich and Fruity: The blend of strawberry and cream cheese is mouthwatering.
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Perfect for Gatherings: Great for potlucks, BBQs, birthdays, or holidays.
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Versatile: Easily switch up the fruit and cake mix flavors.
Ingredients (US Cups & Measurements)
Here’s everything you need for this delightful dessert:
Main Ingredients:
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1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling (about 2½ cups)
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1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
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8 oz cream cheese (softened), about 1 cup
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 (15.25 oz) box vanilla or yellow cake mix
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Equipment You’ll Need
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Mixing bowl (for the cream cheese mixture)
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Whisk or hand mixer (optional, for smoothness)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spatula or spoon
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Oven
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in under an hour:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the sliced fresh strawberries for added texture and bright, juicy flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. You can do this by hand or use a handheld mixer for quicker results.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly — it will melt and swirl slightly as it bakes, creating beautiful marbled pockets of cheesecake throughout the cake.
Step 5: Top with Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Do not stir — the layering is what creates the unique texture of a dump cake.
Step 6: Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible. The butter is essential to help the top become golden and crisp.
Pro Tip: If you want a crumblier top, slice cold butter and scatter it across the surface instead of melted. Both work well.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbles at the edges.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the dump cake cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheesecake layer to set slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.