This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and incredibly easy dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries. It’s a “dump cake,” meaning you simply layer the ingredients and bake – no mixing bowls required! This makes it a perfect dessert for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you need a quick and impressive dessert. The combination of a buttery, crumbly crust, a rich cheesecake filling, and a bright strawberry topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced (optional, for extra freshness and garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Crust: In the prepared baking dish, pour the yellow cake mix evenly across the bottom. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. You can use a fork to lightly toss the cake mix with the butter, but don’t fully combine them – you want a crumbly texture.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the crumbly cake mix crust. Gently spread it to the edges of the pan.
- Add the Strawberry Topping: Spoon the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. If using fresh strawberries, arrange them over the pie filling for added freshness and a beautiful presentation.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake filling to fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake into squares and serve. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or whipped cream, if desired.
Tips and Notes:
- Cake Mix Variations: While yellow cake mix is classic for dump cakes, you can experiment with other flavors like white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even a strawberry cake mix to enhance the strawberry flavor.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake filling can lead to a tough and dense texture. Mix until just combined.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: You can use other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or cherry to create different variations of this dump cake.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adding fresh strawberries to the topping adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Crust Texture: The crust should be crumbly and buttery, not fully combined like a traditional cake batter. This texture adds a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
- Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cake and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Chill Time: Chilling the cake is crucial for the cheesecake filling to set properly. Don’t rush this step!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a truly effortless and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a go-to recipe for busy bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Enjoy!