Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step.
3. Layer the Pie Filling: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you prefer using fresh strawberries, slice them and mix them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Then, pour this strawberry mixture into the dish.
4. Top with Cheesecake Mixture: Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberry layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; just dollop it in places over the strawberries. It will spread as it bakes.
5. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer. Make sure the entire surface is covered. No need to mix the cake mix in; it will absorb the juices and form a crumbly topping as it bakes.
6. Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will melt and help form a golden, crispy top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The center should be set and no longer jiggly.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

• Fresh vs. Canned Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, you can make a quick strawberry compote by cooking them with a bit of sugar to bring out their juices and sweetness. For a shortcut, canned strawberry pie filling is a perfect choice.
• Add Some Crunch: If you prefer a crunchier topping, add a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) over the cake mix before adding the melted butter.
• Customize the Flavor: You can switch up the fruit for different variations of this dump cake. Try blueberry pie filling or fresh peaches for a different flavor profile. The cheesecake layer complements any fruit beautifully.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dessert the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

1. Effortless: This dessert requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick and easy dessert.
2. Versatile: You can use any type of fruit or even switch up the cake mix for different flavor combinations.
3. Irresistibly Delicious: The sweet, fruity strawberry layer pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling and buttery, golden cake topping.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or party, this dessert is sure to be a hit!

With its decadent flavors and simple prep, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something sweet and satisfying!