This recipe offers a simplified and incredibly delicious take on classic strawberry cheesecake with the ease of a “dump cake” preparation. This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake features a buttery, crumbly crust, a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, and a sweet, vibrant topping of fresh strawberries coated in a luscious glaze. The “dump cake” method means that the ingredients are layered rather than requiring a traditional mixing process, making it a remarkably easy dessert to assemble, perfect for busy bakers or those who prefer straightforward recipes without sacrificing flavor. The crust is typically made from crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers mixed with melted butter, creating a sweet and sturdy base. The cheesecake layer consists of cream cheese for that signature tang and creaminess, sweetened condensed milk for richness and sweetness, vanilla extract for flavor, and often a touch of lemon juice to enhance the tanginess. The strawberry topping involves fresh strawberries, which can be sliced or halved, tossed with sugar to draw out their juices, and then often combined with a thickening agent like cornstarch to create a glossy, syrupy glaze that beautifully coats the berries. The dump cake is assembled by layering the crust in a baking dish, spreading the cheesecake mixture over it, and then topping it with the prepared strawberries and glaze. Baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors – the crumbly crust, the smooth and tangy cheesecake, and the sweet and slightly tart strawberries in their glossy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of strawberry cheesecake in a much simpler format. The image shows a rectangular baking dish, likely ceramic and dark blue, containing a partially eaten dessert. The dessert has a crumbly, golden-brown crust at the bottom and around the edges, a thick layer of creamy white filling speckled with red (likely the strawberry mixture), and a topping of whole and halved fresh strawberries coated in a glossy red glaze. The texture appears rich and layered.
The texture of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful combination of a crumbly and slightly chewy crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a soft, juicy topping of fresh strawberries coated in a thickened, slightly syrupy glaze.
The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy. The graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust provides a buttery sweetness, the cream cheese filling offers a signature tang balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk and the bright, fruity sweetness with a hint of tartness from the glazed strawberries.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy and delicious dessert that captures the classic flavors of strawberry cheesecake in a simple, layered format with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry topping.
The preparation involves layering a crushed cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake mixture, and a glazed strawberry topping in a baking dish and then baking until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced or halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to sweetness of berries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Optional for Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint leaves
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Food processor (for crushing cookies) or zip-top bag and rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the Crust: Place the graham crackers or vanilla wafers in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until well combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using). Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced or halved strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out some of the strawberry juices. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens into a glossy glaze. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Dump Cake: Spoon the warm strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake filling in the baking dish. Gently spread it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the Dump Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown around the edges and the cheesecake filling appears set (it should no longer jiggle significantly). The strawberry topping will be bubbly and glossy.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to chill thoroughly and the filling to firm up.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake into squares and serve. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – a simplified way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dessert!