Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
If you’re craving a simple dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, the strawberry cheesecake dump cake is your perfect go-to. This dessert combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries, all baked into a buttery, golden crust. The best part? It all comes together in one pan—no mixers or fancy tools required. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just need a quick weeknight treat, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
A dump cake gets its name from the no-fuss method of “dumping” ingredients directly into a baking dish. There’s no need to mix the batter or whip any layers. That ease is what makes it a favorite among home bakers looking for quick, delicious results. The addition of cream cheese gives this version a rich, cheesecake-like texture that perfectly complements the fruit and cake mix layers. Learn more about the origins of this simple dessert on Wikipedia’s Dump Cake page.
The beauty of this dessert is not just its simplicity but its versatility. You can use different flavors of cake mix or fruit fillings based on what you have on hand. While this recipe focuses on strawberries, you can easily swap in blueberries, peaches, or even cherries. For a full list of cheesecake-inspired dessert ideas, check out this Pinterest board on cheesecake desserts. These variations are great for experimenting with flavors and textures that suit your taste or the season.
If you’re new to baking or just love a hassle-free recipe, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a must-try. With only a few pantry staples and no complicated steps, it’s the kind of dessert that lets the ingredients do the work while you sit back and enjoy the results. Keep reading to discover why this cake deserves a spot in your go-to recipe list.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The strawberry cheesecake dump cake stands out as the ultimate easy dessert recipe for busy bakers, casual cooks, and anyone who loves sweets but not the stress. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and visual appeal.
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Quick and effortless – There’s no mixing bowl needed. Everything is layered directly into the baking dish, making cleanup incredibly easy.
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Minimal ingredients – With just 3 core ingredients—strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, and cake mix—you can create a rich, fruity, and buttery dessert in under an hour.
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One pan, no mess – It’s the definition of one-pan desserts, ideal for weeknights or spur-of-the-moment baking sessions. Get inspired by more one-pan dessert ideas on Pinterest.
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Crowd-pleasing flavor – The classic pairing of strawberries and cheesecake delivers a nostalgic, comforting taste that works all year round, especially in spring and summer.
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Great for beginners – Even if you’ve never baked before, this dump cake is practically foolproof. Plus, it’s easy to customize with toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries.
This is also an excellent starting point for those exploring simple cake recipes with bold flavors. The addition of cream cheese lends a smooth, tangy richness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberry pie filling. Curious about the ingredients? Explore the Wikipedia page on cream cheese to learn how it enhances baked goods with its creamy texture.
If you’re in need of more strawberry dessert inspiration, check out this Pinterest board featuring strawberry desserts that include pies, cakes, and even no-bake treats. But if you only try one, this dump cake recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of the strawberry cheesecake dump cake lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re making the ultra-fast 3-ingredient version or the slightly more elevated version with added flavor boosters, this dessert uses familiar pantry staples to create something extraordinary. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
Core Ingredients (3-Ingredient Version)
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Strawberry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): This is the fruity foundation of the recipe, delivering bright, sweet, and slightly tangy strawberry flavor. It’s thick and syrupy, perfect for binding the bottom layer of the cake. Learn more about the fruit itself on Wikipedia’s Strawberry page.
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Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): Adds that unmistakable cheesecake creaminess and slight tang. Softening the cream cheese ensures easy spooning and better texture when baked. Not familiar with how cream cheese works in baking? Explore how cream cheese is used in desserts.
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Strawberry cake mix (1 box): The dry cake mix acts as the top crust and bakes into a golden, slightly crisp layer. Its strawberry flavor reinforces the fruity theme and adds visual appeal with a light pink hue.
Additional Flavor-Boosting Ingredients
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Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Optional but recommended for sweetening the cream cheese layer, making it taste more like traditional cheesecake.
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Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A classic enhancer for any baked good. It brings warmth and balance to the creamy filling. You can read more about it on Wikipedia’s Vanilla Extract page.
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Butter (1/2 cup, sliced into thin pats): This melts into the cake mix, creating a crispy, golden topping and preventing dry patches.
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Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, diced): Scattered on top, they add texture and a fresh strawberry burst that enhances the richness of the filling. For more fresh strawberry ideas, check out strawberry dessert ideas on Pinterest.
Optional Topping
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Whipped cream: Adds lightness to each serving and enhances the dessert’s presentation. It’s optional but highly recommended for serving.
Substitution Ideas
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Use white or yellow cake mix instead of strawberry if you prefer a milder flavor.
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Light cream cheese can be substituted for fewer calories.
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Try blueberry or cherry pie filling for a fun twist—great inspiration can be found on Pinterest’s dump cake recipes.
This ingredients list makes it easy to build a delicious, layered dessert with just a few steps. Whether you’re sticking to the classic strawberry cheesecake flavor or branching out, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Making a strawberry cheesecake dump cake is as easy as layering and baking. With minimal prep, this dessert delivers a rich, fruity, and creamy treat that looks impressive but requires almost no effort.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake.
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
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Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This becomes the juicy base of your dessert.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mimics a classic cheesecake filling in both texture and taste.
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Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pie filling. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth—it will melt and blend as it bakes.
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Sprinkle the dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Do not stir. The dry mix will bake into a crust as the butter melts.
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Top with thin pats of butter, spacing them evenly to help moisten the cake mix and create a golden finish. Learn more about the science behind butter in baking on Wikipedia’s butter page.
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Add diced fresh strawberries on top for a burst of color, texture, and fresh flavor.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
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Let the cake cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set and enhances the cheesecake texture.
Serve warm or chilled, and top with whipped cream for an extra-indulgent finish. For more presentation ideas, visit Pinterest’s summer desserts section to find creative serving suggestions and plating inspiration.
Quick 3-Ingredient Version
Short on time? The 3-ingredient strawberry cheesecake dump cake is your ultimate solution. You’ll only need:
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1 can strawberry pie filling
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1 package cream cheese, softened
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1 box strawberry (or white) cake mix
How to make it:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spread the strawberry pie filling in a greased 9×13 dish.
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Add spoonfuls of cream cheese across the filling.
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Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top.
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Add pats of butter if desired (optional but recommended for better texture).
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Bake 45–50 minutes.
This version is great for beginners, busy weeknights, or when you’re out of extra ingredients. It still delivers that signature cheesecake-strawberry flavor, just with a little less richness and texture than the full version. For other quick dump cakes, check out Pinterest’s dump cake recipes collection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a recipe this easy, a few common mistakes can affect the result. Keep these tips in mind for a perfect bake every time.
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Using cold cream cheese: It won’t spread easily and can create clumps. Always soften it beforehand.
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Forgetting to sweeten the cream cheese layer: If you skip the sugar and vanilla, it may taste bland. These add essential flavor.
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Over-packing the cake mix: Sprinkle it lightly and evenly; don’t press it down. This ensures a crumbly, golden topping instead of a dense one.
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Skipping the butter: Butter is crucial to help the dry cake mix bake into a crust. Without it, the top may stay powdery. Need more info? Read about how butter affects baking on Wikipedia’s butter page.
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Uneven layering: Make sure ingredients are distributed evenly so the cake bakes uniformly.
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Overbaking: Check for golden brown top and bubbling edges. Overbaking can dry out the filling.
By avoiding these missteps, you’ll ensure your strawberry dump cake turns out delicious every time.
Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
Get the most out of your dump cake by following these expert tips:
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Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even baking and smooth textures.
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Cut butter into thin, even slices to distribute moisture evenly across the cake mix layer.
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Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and neat slices.
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Don’t mix the layers—the magic happens when everything bakes together untouched.
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Let the cake rest after baking so the cream cheese firms up slightly and the flavors meld.
These tips can be applied to other fruit dump cakes, too. For more inspiration on easy baking techniques, explore Pinterest’s one-pan desserts.
Delicious Variations to Try
Looking to switch it up? Try these creative variations while sticking to the easy dump cake method:
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Fruit Swaps: Replace the strawberry pie filling with blueberry, cherry, or peach. All work beautifully with cream cheese and cake mix.
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Mix up the cake mix: Use chocolate, lemon, or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor profile. Chocolate + strawberries = a nod to chocolate-covered strawberries.
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Graham cracker topping: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for a cheesecake crust effect.
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Add-ins: Mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or white chocolate chips can be sprinkled over the top before baking.
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Flavor boosters: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, zesty contrast.
Need visual inspiration? Browse creative combinations on this cheesecake dessert board.
How to Store & Reheat
Proper storage and reheating will help you enjoy your dump cake for days.
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
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Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes for best texture.
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Microwave for 30 seconds per serving if you’re short on time.
Whether warm or cold, this dump cake remains soft and flavorful. For serving ideas and plating inspiration, check out Pinterest’s summer desserts.
When to Serve This Dessert
This cake is incredibly versatile and fits nearly any occasion:
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Summer cookouts and BBQs
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Family dinners
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Valentine’s Day or anniversaries
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Potlucks and parties
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Holiday brunches
Its light, fruity nature makes it ideal for warm-weather events, but it’s also a cozy, comforting treat during cooler months. For seasonal dessert ideas, browse Pinterest’s summer desserts board.
Health & Dietary Notes
This cake is indulgent, but you can adapt it to fit certain dietary needs.
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Calories & Nutrition (approx per serving): 320–370 calories, depending on the version and toppings used.
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Gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix.
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Lower-fat option: Use low-fat cream cheese and less butter.
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Vegan variation: Use plant-based cake mix, vegan butter, and non-dairy cream cheese. Double-check the pie filling for gelatin.
Explore more on Wikipedia’s page about strawberries to see why they’re a healthy fruit option for desserts.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Not recommended on their own, since fresh berries don’t provide the syrupy base that binds the layers. You can mix them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch, or combine them with canned filling.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely. Vanilla, white, chocolate, or lemon cake mix all work well. Try chocolate for a rich, decadent twist.
Why is my dump cake powdery on top?
This usually happens if there’s not enough butter. Make sure to evenly distribute pats of butter across the surface, and don’t skip them.
Do I have to mix the cake mix with anything?
No mixing is required. The dry cake mix goes on top and bakes into a golden crust with the help of melted butter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it, refrigerate, and reheat later. It stores well and tastes great warm or cold.
Should dump cake be gooey?
Yes, the base should be gooey and bubbly with a slightly crisp top. That’s part of the charm.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Follow the same layering process and cook on high for 2–3 hours or on low for 4 hours until the top sets.
The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and irresistible dessert featuring layers of sweet strawberry pie filling, rich cream cheese, and buttery strawberry cake mix. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps, it’s the perfect one-pan treat for busy days, potlucks, and last-minute desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling
Sprinkle the entire box of dry strawberry cake mix evenly over the top
Distribute the butter slices evenly across the surface of the cake mix
Scatter the diced fresh strawberries over the top
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly
Let it cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired
Notes
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For a brighter flavor, add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
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Substitute with different pie fillings and cake mixes for endless variations.
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Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
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Best served warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
