- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling and gently swirl with a knife.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the filling. Do not mix!
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring most of it is covered.
- (Optional) Sprinkle a little cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and crushed graham crackers for a true cheesecake feel.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: This cake is best served warm, but it’s also delicious cold from the fridge.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, gooey texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the layers ahead of time and bake when ready.
Variants & Substitutions
- Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for a strawberry-chocolate combo.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make it allergy-friendly.
- Lemon Zing: Add a little lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking for a crunchy texture.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes! Just toss 3 cups of fresh strawberries with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to make your own filling.
2. Do I need to mix the cake mix with eggs and milk?
No, just sprinkle the dry mix on top—no additional ingredients needed!
3. Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! Try it with blueberry, cherry, or raspberry pie filling for a delicious twist.
4. How do I make it extra creamy?
For a richer texture, mix ¼ cup sour cream into the cheesecake layer.
5. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate effortless dessert—sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, this cake is sure to impress with its incredible flavors. Give it a try and let the magic of dump cakes do the work for you!
