Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake That’s Rich, Simple, and Crowd-Pleasing

Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that feels almost too easy for how comforting and indulgent it tastes. True to its name, this recipe requires minimal preparation, no mixing bowls, and very little effort, yet the final result delivers layers of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping. I appreciate this dessert most on busy days or when guests are arriving and I need something dependable that always turns out well. I have made this dump cake several times, and each time it disappears quickly, often with requests for the recipe. The contrast between the warm fruit base and the creamy pockets of cheesecake is especially satisfying. If you enjoy desserts that are rich, nostalgic, and forgiving, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a recipe you will want to keep on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy, requires no special skills, and uses simple ingredients. It delivers classic cheesecake flavor with the ease of a dump-and-bake dessert, making it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or last-minute treats.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberry pie filling
Strawberry pie filling forms the fruity base of the dessert, providing sweetness, moisture, and vibrant flavor.

Cream cheese
Cream cheese creates rich, tangy cheesecake pockets throughout the cake as it melts and bakes.

Granulated sugar
Sugar lightly sweetens the cream cheese and balances the tartness of the strawberries.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the cheesecake flavor and adds warmth to the overall dessert.

Yellow cake mix
Cake mix creates the crumbly topping that bakes into a golden, buttery layer.

Butter
Butter melts into the cake mix, forming a rich, crisp topping that holds the dessert together.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175°C and lightly grease a baking dish. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling, spacing them evenly to create cheesecake pockets.

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire surface, making sure the fruit and cream cheese are fully covered. Slice the butter thinly and distribute it evenly over the cake mix.

Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Baking time is about 50 minutes.
Total time is around 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 160°C until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

This dump cake recipe is easy to adapt to personal preference. For extra richness, increase the amount of cream cheese or swirl it slightly into the strawberry filling before adding the cake mix.

You can also experiment with different fruit fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or mixed berries while keeping the cheesecake layer the same. I have tested this recipe with cherry filling, and the flavor combination works beautifully.

For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cake mix before adding the butter. If you prefer a stronger cheesecake flavor, add a small amount of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.

Serving the cake warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances the contrast between the warm filling and creamy topping.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dessert is rich in carbohydrates and fats, providing energy and indulgence. While it is not a light dessert, it is ideal for sharing and enjoying in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do not mix the layers
Dump cakes rely on distinct layers to achieve the proper texture.

Even butter distribution
Spreading butter evenly ensures uniform browning.

Let it rest
Cooling slightly allows the layers to set for easier serving.

Use full-fat cream cheese
This provides the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Why is it called a dump cake?

Because the ingredients are layered by simply dumping them into the baking dish.

Do I need to prepare the cake mix?

No, the cake mix is used dry.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well.

Can I freeze dump cake?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

What size baking dish should I use?

A standard medium baking dish works best.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Pie filling is recommended for proper moisture and consistency.

How do I know when it is done?

The top should be golden and the filling bubbling at the edges.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, slightly reduce sugar in the cream cheese mixture if desired.

Is this served warm or cold?

It can be served either, but warm is preferred.

What toppings go well with this dessert?

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pair well.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple, reliable dessert that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. With its fruity base, creamy cheesecake pockets, and buttery cake topping, it is an ideal choice for both casual family meals and special occasions. This recipe proves that impressive desserts do not need to be complicated to be memorable.

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