Few desserts are as delightfully simple — yet completely irresistible — as a dump cake. With its charming name and even more charming ease of preparation, dump cake is all about layering ingredients, baking, and enjoying. But when you add a cheesecake twist and the sweet brightness of strawberries, you get a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
This recipe takes just minutes to assemble and delivers a luscious combination of creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberry flavor, and buttery cake topping. It’s the perfect treat for potlucks, weeknight cravings, or even a last-minute dessert for guests.
Why You’ll Love It
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Minimal Effort: No mixing bowls or complicated steps — just layer and bake.
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Cheesecake Flair: The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that makes this dump cake stand out.
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Fruity Sweetness: Strawberry pie filling makes it taste like summer in every bite.
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Feeds a Crowd: Baked in a 9×13 pan, this recipe is ideal for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
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1 box vanilla or white cake mix
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2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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Optional toppings: fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of white chocolate
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
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In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
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Dollop or spread the mixture across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Add the Strawberry Layer
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Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
4. Top with Cake Mix
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Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly across the entire surface.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, making sure to cover as much as possible. (Don’t stir — the magic of a dump cake is in the layering!)
5. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve
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Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
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Top with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Success
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Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans on top before baking.
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Switch up flavors: Try cherry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling for fun variations.
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Make it richer: Swirl a little strawberry jam into the cream cheese mixture before layering.
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Serving idea: This dessert is delicious warm but just as tasty chilled from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that easy doesn’t mean boring. With just a handful of ingredients and no fuss, you’ll have a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery display. Juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and buttery cake combine into a crowd-pleasing sweet treat you’ll want to make again and again.
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