Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you love strawberry cheesecake and easy desserts, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the recipe you need. It combines sweet strawberry filling, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake topping in one irresistible dessert.

The best part? There’s no need to make a traditional cheesecake crust or spend time preparing a complicated batter. Everything comes together right in the baking dish, making this the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you want something sweet without a lot of effort.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chill it and enjoy it like a creamy strawberry cheesecake-inspired dessert.

Ingredients

1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup white chocolate chips, optional
Powdered sugar, for serving, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

2. Add the Strawberry Layer

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Scatter the sliced fresh strawberries over the pie filling.

The fresh berries add extra strawberry flavor and give the finished dessert little bursts of fruity sweetness.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer.

Gently spread it as evenly as possible without completely mixing it into the strawberry filling.

4. Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.

Do not prepare the cake mix according to the box directions. For a dump cake, the dry mix is sprinkled directly over the other ingredients.

5. Add the Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This helps create the buttery, golden crust as the dessert bakes.

If you’re using white chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the top.

6. Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

The cheesecake layer should be set, while the center may still look slightly soft.

7. Cool Slightly

Remove the dump cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 15–20 minutes before serving.

This gives the layers time to settle and makes it easier to scoop.

For a firmer cheesecake-like texture, refrigerate it for several hours before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert is delicious on its own, but a few toppings can make it even more special.

Try serving it with:

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
Powdered sugar
Strawberry sauce
White chocolate drizzle
A few fresh mint leaves

For the ultimate combination, serve a warm scoop of dump cake with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

Use softened cream cheese. It blends much more smoothly with the sugar and egg.

Don’t mix the cake layers. The beauty of a dump cake is that the ingredients are layered rather than stirred together.

Distribute the butter evenly. Try to drizzle it across the entire surface so the cake mix cooks evenly.

Don’t overbake. The dessert should have a golden top and bubbling fruit filling. Overbaking can make the cake layer dry.

Let it rest before serving. Giving the dessert 15–20 minutes to cool allows the filling to thicken slightly.

Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead?

Yes, but the canned strawberry pie filling provides the moisture and consistency needed for this particular recipe.

If you want to use mostly fresh strawberries, cook them down first with sugar and a little cornstarch to create a thick strawberry filling.

Easy Variations

Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake

Add chocolate chips between the cheesecake layer and cake mix for a chocolate-covered-strawberry flavor.

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright citrus twist.

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Replace part of the strawberry filling with blueberry or raspberry pie filling.

Chocolate Cake Version

Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate-strawberry combination.

Storage

Cover leftover dump cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Because it contains cream cheese and fresh fruit, it should not be left at room temperature for an extended period.

To serve warm, place an individual portion in the microwave and heat gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake it a day ahead and refrigerate it. It can be served chilled or gently reheated before serving.

Do I need to use fresh strawberries?

No. Fresh strawberries are optional. The strawberry pie filling provides the main fruit layer.

Can I use another cake mix?

Absolutely. White, vanilla, or chocolate cake mix can all work depending on the flavor you want.

Why is my cake mix still powdery?

This usually happens when the melted butter doesn’t reach enough of the dry cake mix. Drizzle the butter as evenly as possible across the entire surface.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10–12

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is everything you want in an easy dessert: juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery golden cake topping. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but delicious enough to serve at a party.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, this is one of those desserts you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection for whenever a strawberry craving strikes.