Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Irresistible 5-Ingredient Dessert Everyone Will Crave
When it comes to easy, no-fuss desserts, few recipes can match the sweet magic of a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. With just five simple ingredients, this dreamy dessert combines the richness of cheesecake, the buttery crispness of cake topping, and the vibrant burst of strawberries in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering, need a quick potluck option, or just want a cozy treat at home, this dump cake is your go-to solution for effortless indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
No mixing bowls full of batter. No complicated steps.
Just layer, bake, and enjoy.
Perfectly sweet, creamy, and fruity, this dish tastes like something you’d get from a bakery, yet it’s made with pantry staples.
Great served warm and gooey or chilled and creamy—your choice!
Ingredients & Why They Matter
1 box yellow or white cake mix
This is the secret to that golden, buttery crust. The dry mix soaks up the melted butter and turns crisp while baking—no need to prepare the batter!
1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
The star of the show. It provides a sweet, fruity base bursting with juicy strawberry flavor. The syrupy filling adds moisture and binds the layers together.
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
Rich and tangy, cream cheese gives this dessert its cheesecake essence. When softened and mixed, it bakes into luscious pockets of creamy texture.
½ cup granulated sugar
Helps sweeten the cream cheese layer and balance out its natural tanginess for a smooth, sweet cheesecake flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extract
A little goes a long way. Vanilla enhances the overall taste and gives the cream cheese layer that warm, aromatic depth that makes this dessert irresistible.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
The final touch. When poured over the cake mix, the butter creates a golden, slightly crispy topping that’s rich and decadent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of butter.
2. Spread the strawberry filling
Open your can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This fruity layer becomes the base of your cake.
3. Make the cheesecake mixture
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand if the cream cheese is very soft.
4. Add the cheesecake layer
Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling in small spoonfuls. Use a spatula to gently spread it over the fruit without mixing the layers.
5. Sprinkle the dry cake mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top. Do not mix—this is key to achieving the signature dump cake texture.
6. Pour melted butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible for even browning.
7. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool slightly before serving
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled—it’s delicious every way.
Why Everyone Loves This Dessert
One dish, minimal prep, maximum flavor.
The layers create a contrast of gooey fruit, creamy cheesecake, and crisp buttery cake topping.
It’s foolproof—perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family dinners, or holidays.
Pro Tips for the Best Dump Cake
Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in your cheesecake layer.
Want even more decadence? Add a handful of white chocolate chips or sliced fresh strawberries before baking.
Don’t overbake—look for bubbling edges and a golden top.
If parts of the cake mix look too dry after baking, add a splash of melted butter and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Serve with fresh mint or extra sliced strawberries for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or cold glass of milk for the perfect sweet pairing.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Effortless Dessert
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake isn’t just easy—it’s brilliantly simple and absolutely delicious. With its gooey fruit filling, creamy cheesecake ribbons, and crisp cake topping, it delivers bakery-quality flavor with a fraction of the effort. No mixing bowls, no layers to stack, no frostings to fuss over—just dump, bake, and devour.
