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1 (15.25‑oz) box vanilla or white (or yellow) cake mix Allrecipes+1
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12 tablespoons (approx. ¾‑1 cup) melted butter (or 10 tbsp in some versions) Allrecipes+1
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your pan
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish lightly or spray with non‑stick spray.
Step 2: Add strawberry filling layer
Pour the strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle or arrange the sliced fresh strawberries over the pie filling layer. Coco and Ash+1
Step 3: Make cheesecake layer and spoon over
In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar and vanilla until smooth and well combined. Spoon the cheesecake mixture gently over the strawberry layer, spreading carefully. It needn’t be perfect, but try to cover as much as possible. Coco and Ash+1
Step 4: Sprinkle cake mix and pour butter, then bake
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer in the dish. Then pour the melted butter in thin streams over the cake mix; the butter will spread and soak in as it bakes. Coco and Ash+1
Bake uncovered in preheated oven for about 40‑50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Allrecipes+1
Step 5: Let rest, slice and serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest about 10 minutes to allow the cheesecake layer to set slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Coco and Ash
Tips for Success
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Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature — it will blend more smoothly and produce a consistent cheesecake layer.
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Don’t skip the fresh strawberries if you can—they add texture and freshness that balance the sweetness.
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A trick to maximizing the crispy top: Pour the melted butter in little streams so it distributes well over the cake mix, allowing more golden crust formation.
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Let the cake rest before cutting—it helps keep the layers distinct and the cheesecake layer from running.
Variations
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Berry medley version: Swap in raspberries, blueberries or mixed berries instead of just strawberries.
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Chocolate‑strawberry mash‑up: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the cheesecake layer for a chocolate surprise.
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Gluten‑free version: Use a gluten‑free vanilla cake mix and ensure pie filling is gluten‑free.
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Mini versions: Use smaller baking dishes (8×8 in) for fewer servings or individual ramekins.
Ingredient Substitutions
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Cake mix: You can use white, yellow or French‑vanilla cake mix depending on flavour preference.
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Pie filling: If strawberry pie filling isn’t available, strawberry jam or fresh strawberry compote works—just reduce sugar slightly.
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Butter: You may use salted or unsalted, but reduce added salt if using salted butter.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
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Store leftovers covered and refrigerated for up to 3‑4 days. Because it has cream cheese, it must be refrigerated.
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To re‑warm: Place a slice in a 300 °F oven for ~5 minutes or microwave for ~15‑20 seconds. It’s especially delicious served warm with ice cream.
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This dessert is great for potlucks, brunches or holiday gatherings—assemble ahead, bake just before serving.
What to Serve With This Dump Cake
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A generous scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
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Whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce
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Fresh mint or sliced strawberries on top for a fresh touch
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A cup of coffee, latte or iced tea for balance
Nutrition Facts
Estimated per serving (1 slice of 10): ≈ 440 calories, 23 g fat, 55 g carbs, 4 g protein. Allrecipes
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes — you can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate until baking time. Add about 5 extra minutes to bake time if very cold.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
Freezing is possible but the cheesecake layer may change in texture. For best results, freeze small portions wrapped well, then thaw overnight in the fridge and re‑warm before serving.
Q: Why did my top stay powdery instead of crisp?
Likely because the melted butter didn’t distribute well over the cake mix; be sure to pour evenly and bake until golden brown for best crust.
Related Recipes
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Chocolate Raspberry Dump Cake – another quick “dump” style dessert
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Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Dump Cake – a variation with lemony tang
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Peach Cobbler Dump Cake – classic-style dump cake
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines ease with indulgence, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is your winner. It has creamy cheesecake goodness, sweet strawberries, and a buttery crunchy top—all assembled in under 15 minutes. Whether for a weeknight treat or a gathering, you’ll impress with minimal fuss. Grab your dish, dump those layers, bake, and enjoy every luscious bite.
