Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
A Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an incredibly easy dessert that combines the creamy, tangy flavors of cheesecake with the sweet, juicy richness of strawberries.
It’s the perfect option for anyone who wants to indulge in a decadent treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.
The beauty of this dump cake lies in its simplicity—no mixing, no complex preparation, just a quick and fuss-free way to create a dessert that everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dessert, or just craving something sweet, this dessert is bound to impress.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
1 box of yellow cake mix (or your preferred flavor)
1 box of cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (sliced if fresh)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
1 cup milk (optional, depending on your pudding mix instructions)
1/4 cup sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you are. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray or grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
Next, spread the strawberries evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using fresh strawberries.
slice them up before layering them in, but if you’re using frozen strawberries, there’s no need to thaw them first.
After spreading the strawberries, sprinkle the cheesecake-flavored pudding mix evenly on top. Be sure to cover.
the strawberries completely, as the pudding mix will add the necessary flavor and texture to your cake.
Now, take your box of cake mix and sprinkle it on top of the pudding mix. Do not mix—this is a dump cake, so the layers will cook and meld together naturally in the oven.
Once the cake mix is spread over the pudding, dot the top with small chunks of butter and cream cheese. These will melt into the cake as it bakes.
creating a gooey, delicious topping. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the cake is set.
After baking, remove the dump cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The dessert will still be a bit warm.
making it perfect to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The texture will be a mix of crisp on top with a soft, gooey center that’s full of creamy strawberry and cheesecake flavor.
How to Make
Making a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is as simple as following the steps and layering ingredients in your baking dish. Start by preparing the strawberries.
slicing them if necessary, and placing them in the bottom of the dish. Then, evenly sprinkle the cheesecake-flavored pudding mix on top of the strawberries.
It may seem like you’re adding a lot of dry ingredients, but this will be transformed as the cake bakes.
The next step is to add the dry cake mix on top of the pudding. This may seem unusual, but trust the process—this cake mix will bake into a delightful crust, forming the signature “dump cake” texture.
Once the dry ingredients are layered, it’s time for the butter and cream cheese. Cut the butter and cream cheese into small chunks and evenly distribute them on top of the cake mix.
The fat from the butter and cream cheese will melt and create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dessert.
Now, simply place the dish in the oven and let it bake. The dump cake doesn’t require stirring or mixing at any point, which makes it the perfect dessert for busy home bakers.
Once baked, the crust will have a nice golden color, and the inside will be soft and full of flavor. Don’t forget to let it cool slightly before diving in!
Variations
One of the best things about dump cakes is that they’re versatile, and you can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of strawberries.
you can swap them out for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each berry brings a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake and cake mix.
If you want to add a bit of crunch, you could sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the cake mix before baking.
Walnuts, pecans, or even slivered almonds would provide a lovely texture contrast to the soft, gooey center of the cake.
Alternatively, you could use a flavored cake mix like vanilla or even lemon for a twist on the classic flavor.
For a more decadent version, you could drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top once it’s out of the oven. This will elevate the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence.
And if you’re feeling particularly creative, consider adding a layer of chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers for that cheesecake crust effect, further enhancing the texture and taste.
Another variation involves using different pudding flavors. You could try vanilla, white chocolate, or even a mix of flavored puddings to customize the cheesecake flavor.
These variations still maintain the essence of the original strawberry cheesecake dump cake but add a unique spin for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based versions, and use a dairy-free cake mix.
You can also opt for non-dairy milk or coconut cream for a creamy consistency, keeping the flavors intact while making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Want to make it a little more festive? You can decorate your dump cake with whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
If you’re making it for a holiday or special occasion, topping it off with fresh fruit, such as more strawberries, will make it even more appealing.
Lastly, for a more tangy and vibrant flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the pudding mix or incorporating lemon juice into the strawberries before baking.
The citrus will brighten the whole dessert, creating a fresh contrast to the creamy cheesecake flavor.
Tips
When making a dump cake, one of the most important tips is not to overmix the ingredients. The beauty of a dump cake is that the ingredients.
naturally form layers as they bake. Stirring or mixing could disrupt this process and result in a less desirable texture.
It’s also crucial to use the right type of cake mix. While a box of yellow cake mix is the most common choice for dump cakes.
you could experiment with other flavors depending on your taste preferences. Just be sure to use a cake mix that doesn’t require additional ingredients like eggs or milk.
For best results, ensure that the butter and cream cheese are cut into small cubes before adding them to the top of the cake.
This allows for an even distribution of fat, which will help the cake bake properly and ensure a rich, moist result.
If you’re using frozen strawberries, remember that they will release more liquid than fresh ones.
To prevent your cake from becoming too soggy, you can drain some of the juice before adding the strawberries to the dish.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare this dessert the night before and refrigerate it, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Just allow extra time for the cake to heat thoroughly in the oven, as cold ingredients may take longer to bake.
To make sure you achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, check your dump cake after about 40 minutes.
If the top isn’t golden yet, let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
For an extra creamy cheesecake layer, consider adding a bit of cream cheese into the strawberry layer itself. This will result in a richer, more indulgent base for your dump cake.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the epitome of easy, delicious desserts that anyone can make. With its creamy texture and the sweet.
tart flavor of strawberries, it’s a dessert that everyone will enjoy. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create a showstopper dessert with minimal effort.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special event, this dump cake is sure to be a hit. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to dessert that guarantees satisfaction every time you make it.