Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the luscious flavor of strawberries with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all topped with a soft cake layer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply treating yourself at home. The beauty of this dump cake lies in its simplicity and rich flavors, ensuring it will be a hit on any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or potlucks, this dish serves eight and is sure to impress your guests.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of strawberry pie filling and cream cheese creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm, chilled, or topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an extra special touch.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single baking dish.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes the process smoother. Here are the essentials you’ll need to make your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spilling.
- Hand mixer or whisk: This tool saves time when blending the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish
Start by spreading the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl:
1. Beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drop spoonfuls of this creamy mixture over the strawberry pie filling. It’s okay if it looks imperfect; those little pockets of cheesecake make it special!
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cover as much area as possible.
Step 4: Pour Butter Over Cake Mix
Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This will create a golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm or chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serving Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful experience. This dessert is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any gathering or occasion.
Individual Bowls
- Serve the dump cake warm in individual bowls for a comforting treat. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for added flavor.
Family Style
- Place the entire cake in the center of your table, allowing guests to serve themselves. This encourages sharing and adds a casual touch to your meal.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each serving for an extra creamy contrast. The cold ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cake.
Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy leftovers as a sweet breakfast option! Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful morning start.
Festive Garnish
- Use garnishes like mint leaves or edible flowers for special occasions. This elevates the presentation and makes it more inviting.
On-the-Go Snack
- Pack slices into containers for an easy dessert to take along on picnics or road trips. They’re a hit wherever you go!
How to Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother consistency and helps it blend better with sugar.
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Don’t overmix – When combining the cream cheese mixture, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture in your cheesecake spots.
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Add more strawberries – For additional fruitiness, consider adding fresh sliced strawberries on top before baking. This enhances both flavor and appearance.
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Check doneness carefully – Bake until the top is golden brown but not dry. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the cake portion but may have some cheesecake sticking to it.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad – A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the dump cake.
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Vanilla Yogurt – Creamy yogurt offers a tangy contrast that complements the rich flavors of cheesecake.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These are an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with strawberry flavors.
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Crispy Bacon – The salty crunch of bacon contrasts nicely with sweet desserts, creating an unexpected yet delicious pairing.
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Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses such as brie or gouda to offer savory options alongside your sweet cake.
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Nutty Granola – A sprinkle of granola adds texture and a nutty taste that harmonizes well with strawberry cheesecake.
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Lemon Sorbet – A refreshing sorbet provides a palate cleanser between bites of rich dessert.
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Coffee or Espresso – Brewed coffee enhances flavors while providing an energizing kick to finish off your meal perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the cream cheese temperature: Using cold cream cheese makes it hard to blend smoothly. Always soften it at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
- Not greasing the pan properly: A sticky mess awaits if you skip greasing. Always grease your baking dish well to ensure easy removal.
- Skipping the vanilla extract: This ingredient adds depth to flavors. Never leave it out; it enhances the overall taste of your dessert.
- Choosing the wrong cake mix: Not all cake mixes are created equal. Stick with a yellow cake mix for the best results in this recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid. Warm for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy dessert made by layering strawberry pie filling, cheesecake mixture, and cake mix in one pan.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes! You can use fresh strawberries mixed with sugar as an alternative to pie filling, but it may require extra adjustments.
How long does it take to prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
The total time is about 50 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking.
Is this dessert suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for gatherings, parties, or even casual family dinners due to its effortless preparation and delicious taste.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Its simplicity makes it perfect for any occasion, and you can easily customize it with different fruits or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, a simple yet scrumptious dessert that brings together the fruity sweetness of strawberries and the creamy goodness of cheesecake. This one-pan wonder is perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, requiring minimal effort with maximum flavor impact. With just a few ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a dessert that will impress friends and family alike. Top it off with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the pie filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix to form a golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
