Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Easy, Creamy, and Bursting with Berry Flavor
Ingredients: 2 cans strawberry pie filling (or 4 cups homemade strawberry filling); 1 cup fresh sliced strawberries (optional, for extra fruitiness); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 box vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix; 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted (or cut into thin slices); Whipped cream; Fresh strawberries; Powdered sugar; Vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

Scale

For the Strawberry Layer

2 cans strawberry pie filling (or 4 cups homemade strawberry filling)
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries (optional, for extra fruitiness)

For the Cheesecake Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg

For the Cake Layer

1 box vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted (or cut into thin slices)

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
Powdered sugar
Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Since dump cakes can bubble during baking, place a sheet pan underneath if desired for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Layer

Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you want a stronger fresh strawberry flavor and a more textured bite, sprinkle in the fresh sliced strawberries. This creates the juicy, vibrant base of the dessert.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg, mixing until creamy and fully combined. This mixture will bake into soft, rich pockets throughout the cake, giving you that classic cheesecake flavor.

Step 4: Spoon the Cheesecake Mixture Over the Strawberries

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture directly on top of the strawberry filling. You do not need to spread it perfectly; it will naturally melt and swirl as it bakes. Uneven pockets give the cake more texture.

Step 5: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly across the whole surface. Do not mix or stir. Keeping it dry on top helps create the signature buttery, crumbly topping dump cakes are famous for.

Step 6: Add the Butter

Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible. Alternatively, place thin slices of butter all over the top. The butter helps the cake mix bake into a crisp, golden topping.

Step 7: Bake the Dump Cake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, with the strawberry filling bubbling around the edges. The center may still look slightly soft—that’s normal and part of the creamy dump cake texture.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes scooping easier. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Dump cakes are meant to be rustic and gooey. The center will not slice like a traditional cake—it scoops like a cobbler. If the top looks dry during baking, drizzle 2–4 tablespoons melted butter over the dry spots. This ensures even browning and prevents powdery patches.