Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe? Yes, please! This incredibly simple dessert combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries in a ridiculously easy dump cake format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for busy bakers and anyone who loves a quick and easy treat! Imagine layers of buttery graham cracker crumbs, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet, juicy strawberries baked to golden perfection. It’s a no-fuss, no-mixer recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready for a dessert that’s both delicious and incredibly simple!

What is a Dump Cake?

If you’re not familiar with dump cakes, get ready to have your mind blown! A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like: you “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake. There’s no mixing involved (hence the name!). Dump cakes are known for their simplicity and forgiving nature, making them perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. They’re a fantastic way to use up pantry staples and create a delicious dessert with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate shortcut to sweet satisfaction!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake magic:

What You Need

1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Time to Cook

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Steps to Make It

Ready to dump and bake? Here’s how to make this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer Pineapple: Pour the undrained crushed pineapple into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Make Cheesecake Layer: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the pineapple layer.
Add Strawberry Pie Filling: Spoon the strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry pie filling.
Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
Sprinkle Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the top of the cake mix.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
Cool: Let the dump cake cool completely before serving.

Make It Perfect (Tips & Tricks)

Even Butter Distribution: Make sure the melted butter is distributed evenly over the cake mix to ensure it bakes properly.
Softened Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry dump cake. Bake until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let It Cool: Cooling the dump cake completely allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set up properly.

Variations

Want to customize your dump cake? Here are a few ideas:

Different Pie Filling: Use cherry, blueberry, or apple pie filling instead of strawberry.
Different Cake Mix: Use white cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) over the cake mix before baking.
Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can assemble the dump cake a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is always a hit at parties and gatherings. It’s easy to make, delicious, and travels well.

The Easiest Dessert Ever?

It just might be! With its minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this dump cake is a strong contender for the easiest dessert ever.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the pie filling layer.
Can I use a different size baking dish? A 9×13 inch baking dish is recommended, but you can use a slightly smaller dish if needed. The baking time may need to be adjusted.
Can I reduce the sugar? You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it will affect the flavor and texture of the cheesecake layer.
Can I use a gluten-free cake mix? Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free cake mix, but be sure to follow the package instructions for baking.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a winning combination of ease and deliciousness. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a sweet and satisfying treat!