Get ready to meet your new favorite party trick: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightfully easy dessert combines luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake swirls, and a buttery cake topping—delivering all the decadence of a classic cheesecake, but with a fraction of the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving a cozy weeknight treat, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake shines with vibrant color, rich flavor, and pure comfort in every bite.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a heavenly dessert comes together with just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, building layers of flavor and texture that rival any complicated bakery dessert.

Strawberry pie filling: Sweet and jammy, this shortcut gives the cake an instant burst of strawberry goodness.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced for freshness, they add juicy pops of real berry flavor and a beautiful look.
Cream cheese: The star that creates the cheesecake swirls—make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
Large egg: A binding agent that helps the cheesecake layer set up perfectly.
White sugar: Brings the ideal sweetness to the creamy filling, balancing the tangy cream cheese.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon deepens the flavor and gives that lovely bakery aroma.
Vanilla cake mix: The golden, fluffy crown for our cake—simple, comforting, and irresistible.
Butter, melted: Poured on top, it turns that cake mix into a buttery, crisp top layer as it bakes.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep the Berries

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the entire can of strawberry pie filling. Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries—they perk up the filling and lend those gorgeous ribbons of real fruit. Take a moment to smooth the mixture into an even layer for the best results.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, large egg, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and completely lump-free. Spoon this decadent cheesecake mixture in dollops all over the berry layer, then use the back of the spoon to gently swirl or spread it so every bite gets some cheesecake filling. There’s no need to be perfect—those swirls are part of the fun!

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Topping

It’s time for the magic that makes Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake so simple: sprinkle the dry vanilla cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Don’t mix the layers together—just let the cake mix rest right on top for now. This creates your signature “dump cake” texture.

Step 4: Pour on the Butter

Slowly and evenly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix layer. Watch as it soaks in and starts working its magic. This butter will help turn the cake mix into a golden, slightly crunchy topping with a hint of caramelization. Every spoonful is a dreamy contrast to the soft, creamy layers beneath.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The aroma will be impossible to resist! When it’s done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes—this helps everything set up a bit and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scattering of extra sliced strawberries, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. A little mint leaf on top adds a fresh, fancy touch that looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

This cake is pretty much a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chilled glass of milk. For a touch of brightness, serve with a side of mixed fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake into individual servings by baking in ramekins for personalized treats. Or, cut it into neat squares once cooled and arrange on a platter for a party-ready crowd-pleaser. You can even layer it in parfait glasses with extra berries for a pretty, layered look that’s perfect for brunches or showers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making each forkful taste like it came straight from your favorite bakery.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for future cravings! Let it cool completely, then portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy a homemade treat anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings into the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm larger portions in a 300 degree F oven until just heated through. The texture will remain soft and delicious—and those gooey, juicy strawberry swirls will taste like you just baked it fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other berries or pie fillings?

Absolutely! While strawberry pie filling is classic for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you can easily swap in raspberry, blueberry, or even cherry pie filling. Pair with matching fresh berries for the brightest flavor.

Do I have to use vanilla cake mix?

Vanilla cake mix gives a sweet, mellow balance to the tangy cheesecake and berries, but feel free to try white or even lemon cake mix for a twist. Each brings its own delicious personality to the recipe!

Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake gluten free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix in place of the classic version. Everything else in the recipe remains naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy swap for anyone with dietary needs.

How do I soften cream cheese quickly?

To quickly soften cream cheese, simply unwrap it and microwave on a plate in 10-second bursts, checking until it’s creamy and easy to blend. Letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes also works well.

Should I chill the cake before serving?

This dessert is dreamy served warm, with oozy strawberries and melty cheesecake. But if you prefer, you can chill it for a firmer texture—especially great for neat slices or for making ahead.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of sweet strawberries, velvety cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is destined to become a repeat favorite, whether you’re making it for a crowd or treating yourself. Give it a try—you might just find it’s the only dessert you ever want to share!