Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that merges creamy cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberries, all topped with a crunchy crumb layer. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to festive gatherings. The best part? It comes together effortlessly using just a boxed cake mix and canned pie filling, making it an ideal choice when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this dessert can be ready in just 40 minutes.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The marriage of strawberry and cheesecake flavors creates a satisfying treat that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm or chilled, and it’s great for brunch, dinner parties, or as a simple weeknight dessert.
• No Special Skills Required: Anyone can make this recipe—perfect for beginner bakers!
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dump cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering, leaving your guests asking for seconds.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of this recipe, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Measuring cup

Why These Tools Matter

• 9×13 baking dish: The ideal size for even cooking and ample servings.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl makes combining ingredients easier and more efficient.
• Fork: Perfect for mixing the cake mix without overworking it, ensuring a light texture.
• Measuring cup: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect consistency.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 15.25 oz Vanilla or French vanilla cake mix
• 1 stick of butter (melted)

For the Filling

• 1 8 oz Package of cream cheese
• 2 21 oz cans of Strawberry pie filling

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray your 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Melt your stick of butter.
2. Add your cake mix.
3. Use a fork to combine until you achieve a crumbly texture. Set aside.

Step 4: Layer the Strawberry Filling

Pour both cans of strawberry filling into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese Slices

Open your package of cream cheese and slice it into thin pieces. Lay each slice on top of the strawberry filling, making sure to cover as much area as possible.

Step 6: Top with Cake Mixture

Take your crumbly cake mixture and pour it over the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite has that delicious crumb topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until you see bubbling strawberries and a lightly golden brown top.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy this delightful dessert alone or with whipped cream on top!

Now you have everything you need to create a stunning Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that will wow family and friends!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Serving strawberry cheesecake dump cake can elevate any gathering or meal. This delightful dessert is not only visually appealing but also versatile in how you can present it. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.

Individual Servings

• Use small ramekins to create individual portions of the dump cake, making it easy for guests to enjoy without sharing.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each serving for an extra creamy texture and a beautiful presentation.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey cake.

Garnished with Fresh Strawberries

• Top each piece with fresh strawberries for a burst of color and freshness that complements the flavors.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an indulgent touch, enhancing the sweetness of the dessert.

Served with Mint Leaves

• For a refreshing twist, garnish your servings with fresh mint leaves, which also adds a pop of color.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Creating the perfect strawberry cheesecake dump cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature cream cheese – This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture when spreading over the strawberry filling.
• Don’t skip the butter – Melted butter enhances flavor and contributes to the crumbly topping that makes this dump cake irresistible.
• Layer evenly – Spread both the strawberry filling and cake mixture evenly in the baking dish for consistent baking results.
• Bake until golden – Make sure to bake until the top is lightly golden brown; this ensures that flavors meld beautifully while achieving an appealing look.
• Let it cool slightly – Allowing your dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving helps it set up better and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to add different toppings like shredded coconut or nuts to customize flavors according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry cheesecake dump cake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this sweet treat wonderfully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the richness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy, crunchy side that balances sweetness.
3. Simple Green Salad – A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the dessert’s richness.
4. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which can provide a savory contrast, enhancing overall flavors.
5. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels – These salty-sweet snacks add a crunchy texture and work well as finger foods alongside dessert.
6. Mini Cupcakes – Offer variety by serving mini cupcakes; they are fun and allow guests to try different flavors without too much commitment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always let your cream cheese come to room temperature before using it. Cold cream cheese may not mix well, leading to lumps in your cake.
• Not measuring accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly. Too much cake mix or butter can change the texture of your dump cake.
• Skipping the non-stick spray: Failing to spray your baking dish can cause the cake to stick. Always use non-stick cooking spray for easy removal.
• Overbaking the cake: Keep an eye on your dump cake while it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture; aim for a light golden brown on top.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dump cake in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds, checking if it’s warm enough. Add more time as needed.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, checking occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful dessert combining creamy cheesecake flavors with sweet strawberries, all topped with a crumbly cake mixture.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes! You can use fresh strawberries mixed with sugar and cornstarch as an alternative to canned pie filling for a fresher taste.

How do I customize this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

You can customize this recipe by adding different fruit toppings like blueberries or raspberries, or by mixing in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dump cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is not just easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Its creamy texture paired with sweet strawberry goodness makes it perfect for any gathering or occasion. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste!

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