Easy Strawberry Dessert with Cake Mix, Cream Cheese, and Butter
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is one of the easiest homemade desserts you can make, yet it delivers rich flavor and a bakery-style texture. This recipe combines sweet strawberry pie filling, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a buttery cake mix topping that bakes into a golden, slightly crisp crust. The contrast between the warm fruit filling, smooth cream cheese, and soft cake topping makes this dessert incredibly satisfying.
This dump cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy weeknights, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. There is no need for advanced baking skills, complicated techniques, or special equipment. Everything comes together quickly using simple pantry staples, making it a reliable go-to dessert when time is limited.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10–12 portions
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to cover the entire bottom. This layer creates the fruity base of the dessert and adds moisture and sweetness.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps for the best cheesecake texture.
Spoon small dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry filling. Do not spread it completely; leaving small pockets creates a marbled cheesecake effect once baked.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire dish, covering the filling and cream cheese layer completely. Do not stir or mix the layers together.
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, making sure most of the dry mix is moistened. This step is essential for achieving a golden, buttery topping as the cake bakes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove the dump cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Texture and Flavor Notes
As the cake bakes, the strawberry filling becomes warm and jammy, while the cream cheese melts into a soft, cheesecake-like layer. The cake mix and butter form a lightly crisp, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. The flavor is rich, sweet, and slightly tangy, similar to strawberry cheesecake but with much less effort.
Serving Ideas
Serve this strawberry cheesecake dump cake warm for a soft and gooey texture, or at room temperature for cleaner slices. It pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh strawberries. For a richer dessert, drizzle with white chocolate or strawberry sauce before serving.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore warmth and softness. The cake can also be enjoyed cold, similar to a chilled cheesecake bar.
Helpful Tips
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
Ensure the butter is evenly distributed to avoid dry patches of cake mix.
Do not stir the layers, as the dump cake method relies on distinct layers for best results.
Allow the cake to rest before serving so it holds together better.