If you love rich cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and effortless baking, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. This simple yet indulgent treat combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the bright flavor of strawberries — all layered together in one baking dish with minimal prep.
Perfect for busy families in the United States, cozy gatherings in the United Kingdom, or weekend treats in Canada, Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake delivers impressive flavor with almost no fuss. No complicated mixing, no water baths, and no special techniques — just “dump,” bake, and enjoy.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make it perfectly, customize it, and avoid common mistakes.
What Is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a layered dessert made by “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish without extensive mixing. It typically includes:
Strawberry pie filling
Sweetened cream cheese mixture
Boxed cake mix
Butter
As it bakes, the layers transform into a gooey strawberry base, creamy cheesecake pockets, and a golden, buttery cake topping.
Unlike traditional cheesecake, this recipe requires no crust preparation, no springform pan, and no cooling time for setting. It’s a shortcut dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Is So Popular
1. Minimal Prep Time
You can assemble this dessert in under 10 minutes. That makes it perfect for:
Last-minute guests
Potlucks
Holiday gatherings
Weeknight desserts
2. Foolproof Method
Even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results. There’s no risk of overbeating or cracking like with traditional cheesecake.
3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake is universally loved. The buttery cake topping adds texture contrast that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, gather:
2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional additions:
Fresh sliced strawberries
White chocolate chips
Crushed graham crackers for extra “cheesecake” flavor
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Layer
Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This forms the juicy base of your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
In a bowl, beat together:
Softened cream cheese
Sugar
Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberry layer. You don’t need to spread it perfectly — it will melt and swirl as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir. The magic of a dump cake comes from keeping the layers intact.
Step 5: Drizzle the Butter
Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. This ensures a golden, crisp topping.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Let cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and may leave lumps.
Cover the Cake Mix Fully with Butter
Dry patches of cake mix can remain powdery. Ensure the butter is evenly distributed.
Don’t Overbake
The center should be slightly soft — it will set as it cools.
Add Fresh Strawberries
For extra flavor and texture, layer sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pie filling.
Chill for a Cheesecake-Like Texture
If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.
Delicious Variations
1. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Add white or dark chocolate chips between layers for a richer dessert.
2. Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Dump Cake
Use lemon cake mix instead of vanilla for a bright, citrus twist.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free cake mix — the rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels.
4. Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Substitute half the strawberry filling with blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a berry medley.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This dessert is best served warm or slightly cooled. Pair it with:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh berries
A drizzle of strawberry syrup
In the UK, it pairs beautifully with afternoon tea. In Canada and the US, it’s a perfect addition to summer barbecues and holiday tables.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Nutritional Overview
While Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an indulgent treat, it offers:
Calcium from cream cheese
Fruit-based antioxidants from strawberries
Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stirring the layers together — this ruins the texture.
Using cold cream cheese — leads to uneven pockets.
Not using enough butter — results in dry cake topping.
Cutting into it too soon — allow it to cool slightly.
Why Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Is Perfect for Any Season
Although strawberries are often associated with spring and summer, this dessert works year-round thanks to canned pie filling. It’s:
Comforting in winter
Refreshing in summer
Festive during holidays
Easy for busy weeknights
Few desserts combine convenience and indulgence so effortlessly.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for anyone who loves sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake flavors without complicated steps. With just a handful of ingredients and one baking dish, you can create a crowd-pleasing treat that feels homemade and special.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering in the United States, enjoying tea in the United Kingdom, or serving dessert after dinner in Canada, this simple yet decadent recipe delivers every time.