There's nothing quite like the blissful combination of strawberries and cheesecake. When you add the ease of a dump cake to the mix, you get a dessert that's not only irresistible but also ridiculously simple to make. Imagine layers of sweet, gooey strawberry filling, rich cream cheese, and a buttery, golden cake topping – all baked together in one dish!

The first time I made this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, it was for a last-minute family gathering. I needed something quick but impressive, and this cake delivered beyond expectations. Everyone raved about the creamy cheesecake bites mixed with the warm, fruity filling and crisp cake crust. Now, it's a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Get ready to fall in love with the easiest dessert you'll ever make! This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake has everything you crave in a homemade treat, without the hassle.

First, it's incredibly simple. There's no need for fancy equipment or hours of prep—just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.

Second, the flavor combination is unbeatable. The luscious strawberry filling pairs beautifully with creamy cheesecake bits, while the golden cake topping adds the perfect amount of crunch.

It's also budget-friendly. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.

Finally, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving it at a potluck, holiday dinner, or casual gathering, this cake is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its simple yet delicious ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dessert both rich and flavorful.

Strawberry pie filling is the heart of this recipe. It provides a naturally sweet, fruity base that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake and cake topping. You can use store-bought or make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.

Cream cheese is what sets this dump cake apart. Small dollops throughout the layers create rich, creamy bites that contrast perfectly with the fruit filling.

Yellow cake mix acts as the crisp, buttery topping. It bakes up golden and slightly crunchy, balancing the soft textures below. For extra flavor, you could try vanilla or butter cake mix instead.

Butter is essential for achieving that perfectly crisp and golden topping. Slicing it thinly and placing it evenly over the cake mix ensures that every bite has a rich, buttery finish.

You won't need any special equipment—just a baking dish and an oven! A 9x13-inch pan works best to allow even layering and baking.

How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Making this dessert is as easy as layering a few simple ingredients and letting the oven work its magic. Let's walk through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving later on.

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will create the sweet and juicy base for the cake.

Next, take your cream cheese and cut it into small cubes. Scatter them over the strawberry filling, making sure they're evenly distributed. These pockets of creamy richness will melt slightly as the cake bakes, giving you delicious cheesecake-like bites in every spoonful.

Now, sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Don't stir! Keeping the layers intact allows for that signature dump cake texture—gooey on the bottom, crisp on top.

Finally, slice the butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter melts, transforming the dry mix into a beautifully golden, crumbly topping.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The filling should be bubbling around the edges. Let the cake cool slightly before serving – it tastes best warm!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them easily to enjoy later.

For short-term storage, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

To reheat individual servings, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to restore the warm, gooey texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

Want a different fruit base? Swap the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling to change up the flavor profile.

For a chocolatey twist, use a devil's food cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. The combination of chocolate, strawberry, and cheesecake is absolutely divine!

Looking for a tangier touch? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the strawberry filling to brighten up the flavors.

For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the cake mix before baking. This adds a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

No cream cheese on hand? Try using sweetened condensed milk for a caramelized, extra gooey texture instead.

No matter how you customize it, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is bound to be a hit. Try different variations and find your favorite way to enjoy this effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert!