Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who wants a show-stopping, bakery-worthy treat—without complicated steps or hours in the kitchen. It combines the most beloved elements of classic desserts: the fruity sweetness of strawberry pie filling, the creamy decadence of cheesecake, and the comforting texture of a warm cake topping. Even though the name includes the word “dump,” implying something rustic and effortless, the results are surprisingly gorgeous and impressive. With only a handful of ingredients and a single baking dish, this dessert is ideal for busy families, last-minute gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving at home.
Dump cakes have become a staple in American home baking because they deliver maximum flavor with minimal technique. There is no batter to mix from scratch, no electric mixer required beyond blending the cream cheese layer, and almost zero cleanup. This recipe elevates the traditional dump cake by adding a cheesecake layer that creates creamy pockets throughout the dessert. As the cake bakes, the cream cheese melts into the strawberries and creates a luscious filling that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Whether served warm with ice cream melting into the top or chilled with clean, structured layers, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It is just as perfect for a holiday table as it is for a simple Sunday family dessert. With so many reasons to love it, this dessert quickly becomes a repeat favorite in any household.
Ingredients
Fruit and Cheesecake Layer
2 cans (15 oz each) strawberry pie filling
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cake Topping
1 box (about 15–16 oz) white, yellow, or vanilla cake mix
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Optional Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Powdered sugar dusting
White chocolate shavings
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish works best because it distributes heat evenly and allows you to visually track the bubbling of the filling along the edges.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Base
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread into a smooth, even layer using a spatula. This vibrant red fruit base creates a beautiful contrast that will show through the finished dessert.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, egg, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible lumps. This step ensures a silky layer that bakes evenly throughout the cake. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer and gently spread it without disturbing the fruit underneath too much.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Open the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cheesecake layer. It should cover the surface entirely, forming a blanket that will bake into a golden crisp topping. Do not stir. The dryness is intentional, as the butter will melt into it and transform it into a rich crust.
Step 5: Add Butter
Thinly slice cold butter and distribute the pieces across the top, ensuring as little of the dry cake mix is left exposed as possible. This encourages even browning and prevents pockets of dry mix after baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the dessert for 40–45 minutes, until the top becomes deeply golden and the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges. The center may appear slightly soft when removed from the oven, and that is completely normal. It will firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting or scooping. This allows the cheesecake layer to set properly, ensuring the perfect balance of creamy and cake-like textures. Serve warm for a cozy, melty treat or chill for a dessert that slices cleanly.
Tips for Best Results
Use Cold Butter
Cold butter slices provide better coverage and melt slowly, resulting in an evenly browned crust. Melted butter can be used if needed, but apply gradually so that dry areas are not left behind.
Choice of Cake Mix
White, yellow, or vanilla mixes all work well. White cake mix gives the brightest contrast, while yellow mix delivers a slightly richer flavor.
Temperature Matters
Room-temperature cream cheese and egg ensure smooth blending with no lumps.
Let It Rest
Cutting too early may cause the filling to spill out. Cooling allows flavors to settle and layers to hold shape.
Delicious Variations
Once you master this recipe, there are endless possibilities. Here are some creative twists:
Cheesecake Swirl Version
Instead of spreading the cheesecake mixture smoothly, swirl it lightly with a knife into the strawberry layer for a marbled look.
Fresh Berry Upgrade
Scatter fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries over the pie filling before topping with cake mix for added texture.
Chocolate Lovers Edition
Use chocolate cake mix and drizzle the finished cake with hot fudge. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips before baking adds richness.
Lemon Strawberry Delight
Add one teaspoon lemon zest to the cheesecake layer to brighten the flavor and enhance the fruitiness.
Gluten-Free Option
Use any certified gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the pie filling labels for gluten-free compatibility as well.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigeration
Because of the cream cheese layer, leftovers must be refrigerated. Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. The texture remains lovely when reheated gently or enjoyed chilled.
Freezer Storage
Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm lightly in the oven before serving to refresh the topping.
Make-Ahead
Assemble the base and cheesecake layer ahead of time, then refrigerate. Add cake mix and butter right before baking to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving, based on 12 servings)
Calories: approx. 380
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Values will vary slightly depending on cake mix brand and toppings.
Ideal Occasions for Serving
This dessert fits almost any celebration or casual special moment:
Birthday dinners
Spring and summer gatherings
Family potlucks
Valentine’s Day treats
Movie-night desserts
Weekend baking activities
Its festive appearance and nostalgic flavor feel like home and celebration combined.
Why Dump Cake Recipes Are So Popular
Dump cakes trace their heritage to the mid-1900s when convenient ingredients like boxed cake mix and canned pie fillings became common pantry staples. They became popular for several reasons:
Exceptionally easy to prepare
Minimal cleanup
Nearly foolproof even for beginners
Economical for feeding groups
Reliable and comforting results
The addition of a cheesecake layer pushes this classic a step above the traditional version, giving it a gourmet edge while keeping effort low.
Serving Suggestions
A perfect serving is all about personal preference. Here are ideas to elevate the experience:
A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness against the rich layers.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into pure indulgence, melting into the warm strawberries.
Fresh strawberries on top bring brightness and a juicy pop.
Powdered sugar dusted before serving creates a bakery-perfect finish.
A drizzle of strawberry or white chocolate sauce enhances decadence.
Whether served in casual bowls or neatly plated at a special dinner, it always delights.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a first-time dump cake baker faces challenges, the following tips help ensure success:
If dry patches appear after baking: brush with a teaspoon or two of melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
If the cheesecake layer looks too runny when served: chill the dessert at least one hour for a firmer texture.
Burnt edges can indicate oven hot spots, so rotate the baking dish halfway through.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake proves how beautiful simplicity can be in baking. It requires little more than layering ingredients in a dish and letting the oven work its magic. The finished dessert tastes like something much more complex: sweet berries simmering into velvety cheesecake beneath a golden cake topping with just the right amount of crispness.
This recipe invites experimentation while delivering consistent and impressive results. It is a fitting choice for people who want to enjoy homemade comfort desserts without spending hours measuring, whisking, and cleaning. Every bite offers a burst of strawberry flavor mingled with smooth cream cheese and warm cake. It is sweet, creamy, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
Once you serve this dessert to friends or family, someone will almost certainly ask for the recipe—and they may not believe how easy it is. Let this be the dessert that makes gatherings more joyful, weeknights more special, and celebrations more delicious. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake earns a permanent place in your recipe collection as a dessert you will come back to again and again.
