This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines creamy cheesecake notes, bright strawberry fruitiness, and a buttery cake topping for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. It sits somewhere between a cake, a cobbler, and cheesecake, and it’s incredibly simple to make — literally dump the layers into a pan and bake.
With just four main ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want a dessert that tastes elevated without fuss. No mixing bowl is required, and cleanup is minimal. The finished dessert is juicy and tangy from the strawberry filling, with pockets of creamy cheesecake from the cream cheese and a golden, buttery cake topping.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Ingredients
Use strawberry pie filling rather than plain canned strawberries — the filling includes thickening agents that give the dessert the right texture and prevent it from becoming too runny. A block of full-fat cream cheese adds the tang and creaminess that elevates this dump cake into a cheesecake-style treat. Yellow cake mix gives a richer flavor, but white cake mix will work if that’s what you have on hand. Optional fresh strawberries can be folded into the filling if you want extra fresh fruit texture.
Tips and Tricks for Success
How to assemble the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish well with butter or nonstick spray so the finished dessert releases easily. Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared dish and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer that reaches the corners.
Cut an 8-ounce block of cream cheese into small cubes and distribute the pieces evenly across the strawberry layer. Press each piece lightly into the filling so the tops remain slightly exposed — this helps create pockets of creamy cheesecake throughout the dessert as it bakes.
Sprinkle an entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and filling. Pour 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter over the cake mix, trying to saturate the dry mix as evenly as possible. If needed, gently tilt the pan to help the butter distribute.
Bake until the cake topping is set and golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. A toothpick inserted into the top layer should come out with very little wet crumbs when the cake is done.
Storage and reheating
Store leftovers covered with foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to five days. The dessert holds its texture well when chilled thanks to the filling and cream cheese.
Reheat servings briefly to bring back the warm, soft texture. For best results, warm a single serving in the microwave for 30–45 seconds on high. To reheat the whole pan, cover loosely with foil and place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
4-Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Bright, creamy, and buttery — this dump cake requires only a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes of hands-on time. It’s ideal for potlucks, weeknight desserts, or any time you want a simple but impressive sweet.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Equipment
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Measuring cup or microwave-safe bowl for melting butter
Ingredients
- 2 (21-oz) cans strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese
- 1 (15.25-oz) box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (+ more for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared dish and spread into an even layer.
- Slice the cream cheese into small cubes and place them evenly across the strawberry layer, pressing lightly so the tops remain exposed.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and filling.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the cake mix, attempting to coat the dry mix as evenly as possible. Tilt the pan if needed to help distribute the butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is firm and golden and the filling bubbles at the edges. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly lighter texture, use whipped cream cheese and add small dollops instead of cubed cream cheese.
- For extra fresh fruit flavor, stir sliced fresh strawberries into the canned filling before assembling.