Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Cream Cheese Layer: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling, then gently spread it out with a spatula. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this will melt into the cake as it bakes.
4. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. There’s no need to mix the cake mix with anything—just pour it right on top.
5. Butter It Up: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter will soak into the dry mix as it bakes, creating a golden, crispy top.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake should look set and slightly crispy on top, with the filling bubbling through.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Why Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Is So Special

• Simplicity at Its Best: This cake is incredibly simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. The beauty of the dump cake is that it’s almost foolproof, even for beginner bakers. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich and Decadent: The cream cheese layer gives the dessert a cheesecake-like richness that pairs beautifully with the juicy strawberries. The cake mix layer forms a crispy, slightly sweet topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling below.
• A Beautifully Layered Dessert: The layers of strawberry filling, cream cheese, cake mix, and butter create a dessert that is visually appealing and full of textures. Each bite gives you a taste of the smooth, creamy cheesecake, the sweet, fruity strawberries, and the crisp, buttery cake topping.
• Customizable: Feel free to make this dessert your own. You can substitute other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, cherry, or peach for a different flavor profile. You can also add nuts or shredded coconut to the cake mix topping for a bit of crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of the warm cake enhances the creamy texture and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake to create a dessert that’s even more indulgent and creamy.
• Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color. It’s an easy way to make the dessert look even more inviting.
• Drizzle of Chocolate: For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top of the cake before serving. This will add a delicious chocolatey note to the already decadent dessert.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before you use it. Cold cream cheese won’t blend as easily and could result in lumps in the cheesecake layer.
2. Don’t Mix the Cake Mix: For a true dump cake, you don’t need to mix the cake mix with anything. Just sprinkle it on top, and the magic happens as it bakes.
3. Check for Doneness: Depending on your oven, baking times may vary. Keep an eye on the cake to make sure the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If you find that the top is browning too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
4. Add Variety: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings or even flavored cake mixes to create your own variations of this dump cake. Peach, cherry, or mixed berry pie filling would work wonderfully as alternatives to strawberry.
5. Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake tastes just as good the next day, and you can reheat it in the microwave for a quick and delicious treat.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the dessert for anyone who craves something rich, fruity, and easy to make. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a party, or just enjoying a sweet treat after a busy day, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a golden, crispy topping makes this dessert irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a favorite!