Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that beautifully blends the fruity flavor of strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake, and a fluffy cake topping. It’s ideal for gatherings and celebrations, offering an effortless way to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something sweet, this dump cake will surely satisfy your dessert desires!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip up this dessert in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute occasions.
- One-Pan Wonder: The simplicity of a one-pan dessert means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family and friends.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of strawberries and cheesecake is universally loved, ensuring everyone will want a slice.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, with whipped cream or fresh strawberries—this dessert adapts to your tastes!
- Budget-Friendly: Using a box cake mix and simple ingredients means you can create a delicious treat without breaking the bank.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish helps ensure even cooking and makes serving easy.
- Electric mixer: This saves time when mixing the cream cheese layer, achieving a smooth consistency quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the best results in baking.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Spread the Pie Filling
- Pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Use an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Don’t worry about perfection; little pockets of cheesecake create delightful surprises!
Step 5: Add Cake Mix and Butter
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle melted butter over all areas of the cake mix to ensure even moisture.
Step 6: Bake
- Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Serve
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm or chilled. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can elevate the experience of this delightful dessert. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it that will impress your guests and enhance the flavors.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Fresh Strawberries: Add sliced strawberries on top for a burst of freshness that complements the cake’s flavors.
- Berries Medley: Serve with a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a colorful, fruity twist.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the cheesecake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or strawberry-flavored whipped cream for added taste.
Serve Warm or Cold
- Warm Delight: Enjoy the dump cake warm from the oven for a comforting dessert experience.
- Chilled Treat: Refrigerate before serving for a refreshing dessert option, especially in warmer months.
Use Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm cake, creating a delicious contrast.
- Strawberry Sorbet: For a fruitier option, serve with strawberry sorbet for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips.
- Layering: Ensure even layering of the pie filling and cheesecake mixture for balanced flavor throughout.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality strawberries for the pie filling to enhance the overall taste.
- Bake Properly: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can dry out the cake while underbaking can lead to sogginess.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving; this helps set the layers and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with various garnishes like mint leaves or chocolate shavings for added visual appeal.
- Store Correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some great suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the dessert spread.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats complement the flavors in your cake perfectly.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer variety without overpowering your main dessert.
- Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty flavor contrasts nicely with strawberry and cheesecake flavors.
- Lemon Bars: Their tartness provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the dump cake.
- Coffee or Tea Service: Offering coffee or tea allows guests to enjoy their dessert alongside a warm beverage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the outcome significantly.
- Skipping the cream cheese softening: Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps in the batter.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always measure your ingredients. Incorrect measurements can lead to undesirable texture and taste.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Using an incorrect pan size: Ensure you’re using the right size baking dish so that the cake cooks evenly. A too-small pan may overflow while a too-large one may dry out the cake.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allow your dump cake to cool for a bit before serving. This helps set the flavors and makes it easier to slice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Properly stored, it can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and warm for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making or serving Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, we’ve got answers!
How do I know when my Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is done?
The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes! You can use fresh strawberries, but you may need to add sugar or cornstarch for sweetness and thickness.
What are some variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
You can try different pie fillings like blueberry or cherry, or even add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
How should I serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Serve warm with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Its combination of flavors makes it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings for a delightful twist!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. This one-pan wonder combines luscious strawberry pie filling with a creamy cheesecake layer and a golden cake topping, creating a heavenly treat that will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this crowd-pleaser ready to bake! Whether served warm or chilled, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the pie filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix on top and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
