If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delicious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, fresh flavors of strawberries, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake! This delectable treat is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any occasion. With layers of sweet strawberries, a luscious cream cheese mixture, and a golden cake topping, every bite is a taste of heaven.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delightful dessert and learn how to make it!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To create this scrumptious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced – The star of the dish! Fresh strawberries provide a sweet and fruity base that balances perfectly with the richness of the cheesecake.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This ingredient gives the cake its creamy, cheesecake-like texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 box (15 ounces) yellow cake mix – The cake mix serves as the topping for this dessert, adding a deliciously sweet flavor and light texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Drizzling melted butter over the cake mix enhances the flavor and helps create a golden crust.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture, ensuring that every bite is delectable.
- 1 cup milk – Milk adds moisture to the cream cheese mixture, making it smooth and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This enhances the overall flavor of the dish and complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Directions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this incredible dessert. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your cake bakes evenly and thoroughly. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish.
Grease the Baking Dish
Next, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. You can use cooking spray or a little melted butter to coat the bottom and sides of the dish. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later.
Prepare the Strawberry Layer
Now, it’s time to work with the fresh strawberries. Slice 2 cups of strawberries and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The strawberries will create a sweet and fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and cake. Set this aside while you prepare the next layer.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat these two ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once the cream cheese and sugar are well combined, add 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well blended and the mixture is smooth. The cream cheese mixture should be thick and creamy, resembling traditional cheesecake filling.
Pour Over Strawberries
With the strawberry layer prepared and the cream cheese mixture ready, it’s time to assemble your dump cake. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the sliced strawberries in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the strawberries. Make sure the strawberries are fully covered by the cream cheese layer for a delicious bite every time.
Add the Cake Mix
Now, take the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese layer. It’s important not to stir or mix at this point; just let the cake mix sit on top. This is what makes it a “dump” cake – the layers stay separate during baking, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Drizzle with Butter
To finish off the cake, drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The melted butter will seep into the dry cake mix as it bakes, creating a wonderfully moist and flavorful topping. Make sure to cover the surface well with butter for the best results.
Bake the Cake
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Allow to Cool
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Letting it cool for about 10-15 minutes will make it easier to serve. You can enjoy the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm or at room temperature – either way, it’s delicious!
Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, cut the cake into squares and scoop out portions. This dessert is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. The combination of flavors is simply heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 square):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Sodium: 250mg
This dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion. While it’s not the lightest option, its rich flavors, and satisfying textures make it worth every calorie.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Use Fresh Strawberries
For the best flavor, always opt for fresh strawberries when making this dump cake. They provide a natural sweetness and bright flavor that frozen strawberries just can’t match. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Adjusting Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cream cheese mixture. You can also opt for a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut down on sugar.
Experiment with Toppings
Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Try adding a layer of sliced bananas, blueberries, or raspberries along with the strawberries for a mixed berry flavor. You can also top the cake with crushed nuts or chocolate chips before baking for added texture and flavor.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors may meld together as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!
Make It Ahead of Time
This dump cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving to enjoy it warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can easily substitute it with a vanilla or even a strawberry cake mix for an extra fruity flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will change slightly based on your choice.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Yes! This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or cherries. Just adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Is It Possible to Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this dump cake by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure that the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I Freeze This Dessert?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delectable dessert that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With its layers of fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet, buttery cake topping, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a fantastic choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this dump cake is the perfect choice. It’s quick, delicious, and will leave everyone wanting more. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up this delightful dessert today!
For more mouthwatering dessert ideas, don’t miss these recipes:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake – A Dream Dessert
- Banana Bread Bar Brownies – A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies – Irresistibly Gooey
Get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – it’s a dessert you won’t soon forget!
Print
Irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe to Try
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful, fruity dessert that combines fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery cake topping. With minimal effort and no mixing required, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 box (15 ounces) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- Evenly spread the sliced strawberries in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
-
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
-
Pour Over Strawberries
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries, spreading it evenly.
-
Add the Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer—do not stir!
-
Drizzle with Butter
- Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix.
-
Bake
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
-
Serve
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar over the cake mix before baking.
- Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake Cake, Easy Strawberry Dessert, Cheesecake Dump Cake, Fruity Cheesecake Cake, Simple Strawberry Cake