Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, luscious, and guaranteed to impress, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is pure perfection. With layers of creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and buttery cake topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but takes just minutes to prepare.

Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday get-together, or just a cozy weekend treat, this dump cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort — no mixing bowls or fancy equipment needed!

🥣 What Is a Dump Cake?

If you’ve never made a dump cake before, you’re in for a delightful surprise. The name might not sound glamorous, but the concept is genius: you “dump” simple ingredients into a baking dish — no stirring required — and let the oven do all the work.

Traditionally, dump cakes are made with pie filling, a box of cake mix, and butter. The result? A golden, slightly crispy top with a gooey, fruity center that tastes like a cross between cobbler and cake.

This version takes it to the next level with a cheesecake layer that adds creamy richness and tangy balance to the sweet strawberries. It’s like a hybrid between cheesecake and cobbler — and it might just become your new favorite dessert!

🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

For the Cake:

🍓 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
🍓 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional for extra texture)
🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
🍬 ½ cup granulated sugar
🥚 1 large egg
🍰 1 box white or yellow cake mix
🧈 ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
🌿 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍋 Zest of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is foolproof even for beginner bakers.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Layer

Pour the strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. If you’re using fresh strawberries, sprinkle them on top of the filling for an extra fruity layer.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk by hand.

Spoon this mixture gently over the strawberry layer — you don’t need to make it perfect; it’ll spread naturally as it bakes.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cheesecake layer. Don’t mix it in — just scatter it across the surface so it covers everything.

Step 5: Drizzle with Butter

Melt your butter and drizzle it evenly across the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible — this helps create that golden, crispy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling at the edges.

The magic happens as it bakes — the strawberries bubble up, the cheesecake sets into a creamy layer, and the butter and cake mix form a sweet, crumbly topping.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let it cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

🍰 Tips for the Best Dump Cake

⭐ Use cold cream cheese for chunks or soft for smoothness — If you want pockets of cheesecake, use slightly chilled cream cheese; for a creamy blend, use fully softened.

⭐ Try different cake mixes — White, yellow, or even vanilla pudding cake mix all work beautifully.

⭐ Add crunch — Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans over the top before baking for extra texture.

⭐ Make it ahead — This cake can be baked the night before and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

🍓 How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert is versatile — it’s delicious both warm and cold!

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a melty, cozy treat.
Serve chilled for a firmer, cheesecake-like experience.
Add fresh strawberries on top for extra color and freshness.
Drizzle a little white chocolate or strawberry syrup for an indulgent finishing touch.

🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy, one-pan dessert
✅ No mixing or complicated steps
✅ Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners
✅ Combines the best parts of cheesecake and cobbler
✅ Crowd-pleasing flavor that tastes homemade every time

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake truly captures the spirit of effortless baking — minimal work, maximum deliciousness.

🎀 Final Thoughts

When you need a dessert that’s simple yet unforgettable, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your go-to. Each bite is a harmony of flavors — sweet strawberries, tangy cheesecake, and buttery cake topping that melts in your mouth.

It’s proof that sometimes, the easiest recipes deliver the biggest “wow” moments. So grab your baking dish, dump in those ingredients, and get ready for your new favorite dessert.

Trust me — once you try it, you’ll be making it for every holiday, family dinner, and cozy weekend ahead.