Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Sometimes, the universe sends you a dessert that’s as easy as breathing—and this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is exactly that. With just a handful of pantry staples (and zero stress), you get a warm, gooey, fruity, cheesecake-laced masterpiece. Dump cakes may have a funny name, but let me tell you, they’re the unsung heroes of last-minute baking. This one brings the sweet-tart punch of strawberries, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the buttery crunch of cake mix into one glorious pan.

Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, hosting the in-laws, or simply trying to survive a Tuesday, this recipe has your back. All it asks is that you layer, bake, and dig in. No mixers, no chilling, no perfection required—just joy in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Only 6 ingredients—you likely have most of them already.
• One pan, zero mess—hello, easy cleanup!
• Crowd-pleaser—your guests will think you worked way harder than you did.
• Totally customizable—swap the fruit, change the cake mix, get wild.
• Perfect for any occasion—potlucks, baby showers, or cozy weeknights.

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Ingredients

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix
• 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish like you’re buttering up your mother-in-law—thoroughly!
2. Layer the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Dollop this luscious mix over the strawberries and gently spread.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over everything—resist the urge to stir!
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Try to coat as much of the cake mix as you can.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
7. Let it cool just enough to not scorch your tongue. Then dig in!

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Room temp cream cheese blends better—don’t skip softening it!
• If you notice dry patches on top mid-bake, spritz them with a little melted butter or nonstick spray.
• Want extra flair? Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Bake It With the Littles

This is a “dump and do” dessert, which means your kids can totally help:

• Let them spread the strawberry filling.
• Teach them to spoon and sprinkle cake mix (yes, it’ll get messy—embrace it).
• Encourage creativity with fun toppings like rainbow sprinkles or white chocolate chips.

They’ll love making it—and eating it—even more.

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Meal-Prep Magic

You can prep this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in advance by:

• Assembling all but the butter drizzle, then refrigerating.
• Adding butter right before baking.
• Or, bake the whole thing and reheat individual portions in the microwave.

It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Trying to keep it a little lighter without sacrificing flavor?

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Try a sugar-free cake mix or pie filling.
• Swap butter for a light margarine (but the flavor will be a bit different).

It’s still dessert, but every little bit counts, right?

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Leftover Remix

Yes, you can have too much of a good thing—but not with this cake. Try:

• Layering leftovers into a trifle with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
• Blending into a milkshake with vanilla ice cream. Trust me on this.
• Turning it into cake pops—just roll, dip in chocolate, and let the kids decorate.

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Gift It Like a Pro

This makes a darling treat for friends, neighbors, or that teacher who deserves a hug. Here’s how:

• Bake in a disposable foil pan and tie with a cute ribbon.
• Include a handwritten tag: “Dump cake—because life’s too short for complicated desserts.”
• Pair with a small container of whipped topping or strawberries for bonus points.

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FAQs

Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! Cherry, blueberry, or even peach would be divine.

Do I have to use yellow cake mix?
Nope—white, butter golden, or even strawberry cake mix all work.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free cake mix (like this one from King Arthur Baking).

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—just use two pans, or a deeper baking dish and extend the baking time slightly.

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Final Thought

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the dessert equivalent of a warm hug in a 9×13 dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and just messy enough to feel homemade in all the best ways. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this cake delivers joy with every gooey, buttery bite

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