Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Dump Cake -

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert that is sure to please a crowd, look no further than the Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Dump Cake. This delightful dish is a combination of juicy strawberries smothered in cream cheese and topped with a sweet, buttery cake crumble. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner, this dump cake is not only quick to prepare but also boasts a deliciously rich flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, how to make it, and some pro tips to ensure your dump cake comes out perfectly every time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Dump Cake is everything you could ask for in a dessert. It’s simple to make—taking only about 10 minutes of prep time—while the flavors meld together beautifully in the oven for about 45 minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a decadent dessert that will impress your family and friends. The combination of tart strawberries, rich cream cheese, and sweet vanilla cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make this luscious dessert:

2 cans strawberry pie filling (about 21 ounces each)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 ounces)
½ cup melted butter
½ cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for a cheesecake crust effect)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to serve.

Step 2: Spread the two cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This fruity layer will serve as the foundation of your dump cake, providing delicious moisture and flavor throughout.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will yield a sweet and tangy cheesecake filling that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Step 4: Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. Don’t worry about spreading it; the cream cheese mixture will melt and meld with the strawberries while baking, creating delightful swirls of cream cheese throughout.

Step 5: Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Ensure it’s spread out to create an even cake topping that bakes to a golden crust.

Step 6: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. If you’re using graham cracker crumbs, lightly sprinkle them over the top for added texture and flavor. The melted butter will help the cake mix form a crispy, crunchy topping as it bakes.

Step 7: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 8: Serve your Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Dump Cake warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra touch of indulgence!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use fresh strawberries: While pie filling works wonderfully, using fresh or frozen strawberries can add a delightful twist. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly to balance the flavor.
Make it ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before serving for melted cheesecake goodness.
Customize your flavors: Experiment with other pie fillings like blueberries or peaches for a different taste sensation!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It will work just as well, though the texture may be slightly different.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s well-covered. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven before serving.

4. What can I serve with this dessert?

This dump cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce!

5. Is it possible to make this dump cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, and be sure to check that other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Cream Cheesecake Dump Cake is a straightforward yet satisfying dessert that combines the best of strawberries and cheesecake in a scrumptious bake. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy this delightful treat with your family and friends!