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I've got the most amazing dessert to share with you today—my Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy weekend when I needed something quick but delicious. With just five ingredients, it's become my go-to dessert for everything from family dinners to potlucks.
Let Me Tell You Why You Need This
What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet impressive it is. You literally just dump everything in a pan, and magic happens in the oven. The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries under that buttery crumb topping is absolutely heavenly.
Here's What You Need
- Cake Mix: Grab a box of vanilla or white cake mix; I've tried them all, and they work beautifully.
- Butter: One stick melted; this makes everything golden and delicious.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it's full-fat for the best creamy texture.
- Pie Filling: Two cans of strawberry pie filling create the perfect sweet base.
Let's Get Started
First thing I do is melt my butter in a microwave-safe bowl. While that's melting, I get my cake mix ready. When you combine these two, it turns into this gorgeous sandy mixture that smells like vanilla heaven.
Building Those Layers
Now comes the fun part. I spread that strawberry filling in my baking dish, making sure it's nice and even. Then I slice up the cream cheese—I've found thin slices work better than chunks—and lay them all over the strawberries.
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The Final Touch
Remember that buttery cake mixture we made? Sprinkle it evenly over everything. Don't worry about making it perfect; that's the beauty of a dump cake. It all comes together beautifully in the oven.
Time to Bake
Pop it in your preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing. You'll know it's done when you see those strawberries bubbling around the edges and that topping turns golden brown.
Keeping It Fresh
This cake stays perfect in the fridge for about five days. Just make sure to cover it well. Though honestly, it never lasts that long at my house—everyone always comes back for seconds.
Make It Later
Sometimes I make an extra one for the freezer. Just wrap it up tight, and it'll keep for three months. It's such a lifesaver when you need a quick dessert for unexpected company.
My Best Tips
After making this countless times, I've learned a few tricks. Using salted butter adds an amazing flavor balance. And don't be afraid to try different pie fillings—my family loves it with cherry, too.
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Perfect for Any Time
Whether it's a casual Sunday dinner or a holiday gathering, this dessert always fits. I love how it feels special enough for celebrations but easy enough for everyday treats.
What to Serve With It
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is absolutely divine. Sometimes I serve it with my morning coffee—it makes breakfast feel extra special (don't judge).
Make It Your Own
Get creative with toppings. Sometimes I sprinkle some chopped pecans or coconut on top before baking. The nuts get all toasty and add such a nice crunch.
Plan Ahead
One of the best things about this cake is you can make it a day ahead. Just pop it in the fridge and warm up individual servings when you're ready to serve.
Fun With Kids
My little ones love helping make this. They get so excited layering everything in the pan. It's the perfect recipe to get kids interested in baking.
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Easy Cheesecake Fix
When you're craving cheesecake but don't want to fuss with a water bath, this is your answer. The cream cheese layer gets so creamy and delicious.
Lighter Version
Sometimes I use light cream cheese and it works just fine. You can even find reduced sugar pie filling if you want to cut back on sweetness a bit.
Dress It Up
For fancy occasions, I serve it in pretty dessert dishes with a mint leaf on top. People think I've spent hours in the kitchen—they never guess how easy it was.
Share the Love
This is my go-to recipe for potlucks and bake sales. It travels well and everyone always asks for the recipe. I love seeing their faces when I tell them how simple it is.
Why We Love It
There's something magical about how these simple ingredients come together. It's like having the best parts of strawberry cheesecake and crumb cake all in one easy dessert. Every time I make it, I fall in love with it all over again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is it called a dump cake?
It's called a dump cake because you literally dump the ingredients into the pan with minimal mixing. The layers create their own unique texture while baking.
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While fresh strawberries are delicious, they won't work as well in this recipe. The pie filling provides the right consistency and sweetness needed for the cake to turn out properly.
- → What's the best way to serve this cake?
Serve this cake warm for the best taste and texture. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake ahead and reheat individual portions when ready to serve. Store leftovers in the fridge and warm slightly before eating.
- → What other fruit flavors work well?
This recipe works great with cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling. The basic method stays the same, just swap out the fruit filling for your favorite flavor.
Conclusion
A delightful dessert that combines the flavors of strawberry cheesecake with the simplicity of a dump cake. Easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.