Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly and turns out golden and delicious.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. You don’t need a mixer—just a hand whisk or spoon will do the trick. The mixture should be thick and creamy, similar to a cheesecake filling.

3. Assemble the Dump Cake:

Next, spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, spoon the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling and gently spread it out. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover the strawberries completely—this will be covered with the cake mix later.

4. Top with Cake Mix:

Evenly sprinkle the strawberry cake mix (dry, without mixing) over the top of the cheesecake layer. Make sure to spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface. Don’t stir the layers—it’s all about the “dump”!

5. Add the Butter:

Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This step is crucial as the butter will melt into the cake mix as it bakes, forming a deliciously crisp and golden topping.

6. Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the cake near the end of the baking time to make sure the top doesn’t burn.

7. Cool and Serve:

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a little bit, making it easier to serve. Top with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even some fresh strawberries for extra flair!

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: If you want a fresher flavor, you can swap the canned strawberry pie filling for fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar. This will give your dump cake a more natural, fruity taste.
• Try Other Cake Mixes: While strawberry cake mix works wonderfully, you can easily switch things up by using a yellow cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even a white cake mix to complement the flavor of the fruit filling.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: If you love a bit of crunch, try sprinkling some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking. They’ll add a delightful texture to the cake topping.
• Check for Doneness: Make sure the cake is golden and bubbly on top. If the top isn’t browning enough, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Make it Ahead: This dessert is great for making ahead! You can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and follow the baking instructions.

Serving Suggestions:

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to take it to the next level, consider adding one of these delicious toppings:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake and fruity filling.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream complements the flavors beautifully. For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of hot fudge!
• Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: For a sweet twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving. The caramel pairs beautifully with the strawberry and cheesecake layers.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for More:

The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who love simple, no-fuss recipes without compromising on flavor. The combination of cheesecake, strawberries, and a buttery cake topping is simply irresistible, and the best part is that it takes no time at all to prepare. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require a lot of effort but still tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also customizable. You can switch up the fruit filling, the cake mix, and even the cheesecake layer to create a variety of versions—each as delectable as the last.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to eat, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a must-try. It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and crispy all in one bite—making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday party, or just craving something sweet, this dessert will have everyone coming back for seconds. So go ahead, dump it, bake it, and enjoy every bite of this irresistible dessert!