Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
If you're looking for a dessert that's quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress a crowd, **Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake** is your answer. This delightful cake combines the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all topped with a buttery, golden cake layer. It's a perfect dessert for when you're short on time but still want to wow your guests. This recipe is as simple as it gets—you just "dump" the ingredients in a pan, bake, and enjoy!
Yield: 6
Materials
- - **Strawberry Pie Filling 21 oz**: The star of the show, this brings sweetness and vibrant color to your cake.
- - **Yellow Cake Mix 15.25 oz**: This forms the crumbly, buttery topping. You can use other cake mix flavors for variety.
- - **Cream Cheese 8 oz, softened**: The cheesecake element adds richness and balances the sweetness with tangy notes.
- - **Sugar 1/2 cup**: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
- - **Vanilla Extract 1/2 tsp**: Adds depth and a warm aroma to the cream cheese filling.
- - **Unsalted Butter 1/2 cup, melted**: When poured over the dry cake mix, it helps create that perfect golden topping.
- - **Fresh Strawberries optional for garnish**: These add a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. While it’s heating, lightly grease a **9x13-inch** baking dish. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and ensure it bakes evenly.
2. Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling
- Spread **strawberry pie filling** evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This fruity layer forms the juicy, sweet foundation of your cake.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a medium bowl, combine **softened cream cheese**, **sugar**, and **vanilla extract**. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to beat until smooth and creamy. This will create that luscious cheesecake layer.
4. Add the Cheesecake to the Cake
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberry filling. You don’t need to spread it perfectly—just scatter it across the surface. As the cake bakes, the cream cheese will melt and spread.
5. Sprinkle the Cake Mix
- Now, take your **dry yellow cake mix** and sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese layers. Be sure to cover the entire surface.
6. Drizzle the Butter
- Melt **unsalted butter** and drizzle it evenly over the dry cake mix. This butter will help transform the cake mix into a golden, crispy topping as it bakes.
7. Bake the Cake
- 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 around the edges. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
8. Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the **Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake** to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set. If desired, garnish with **fresh strawberries** for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.