Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

If you are searching for a dessert that combines the creamy tang of cheesecake and the juicy brightness of strawberries with hardly any kitchen fuss the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is for you. You get comforting layers of strawberry pie filling rich cheesecake and a buttery cake topping all in one pan. This is the dessert I make for busy weeknights and big gatherings because it never fails to win hearts and there are barely any dishes to clean up afterward.

The first time I made this cake my friends could not believe how little work went into something that tasted like a bakery treat. It is now my top pick when I want dessert magic without a mountain of dishes.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: gives the cake a golden buttery crust and helps everything hold together choose a good quality brand for best flavor
• Unsalted butter melted: soaks into the cake mix and creates a crisp tender top look for sweet cream butter with a fresh scent
• Strawberry pie filling: gives a sweet tart base layer and vibrant color you want pie filling with whole berries not just syrup
• Cream cheese softened: for a creamy tangy cheesecake layer use blocks not whipped style for a silkier filling
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the cheesecake layer measure with care for just the right balance with the berries
• Vanilla extract: deepens all flavors pure vanilla is best if possible
• Whipped topping: gives a cloudlike finish refrigerated whipped topping makes serving extra simple but feel free to whip your own cream
• Fresh strawberries for garnish: add bright color and fresh fruit flavor look for ripe glossy berries with fresh green tops
• Powdered sugar optional: for that classic bakery finish sifted on top just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or baking spray to keep the cake from sticking later.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl mix softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon and beat until everything is completely smooth and there are no lumps left.

Layer the Strawberry Filling:

Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to gently coax berries into the corners so every piece gets a perfect fruity base.

Add the Cheesecake Layer:

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to carefully spread it as evenly as you can. It is okay if some berries poke through for a rustic look.

Add the Cake Mix Topping:

Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it dry right over the cheesecake layer. Try to distribute the mix evenly and pat down gently to prevent big clumps.

Drizzle Melted Butter:

Pour melted butter slowly and as evenly as possible across the cake mix layer. The butter will soak in during baking and create that signature tender crisp top.

Bake:

Place the dish on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for forty to forty five minutes until the top is golden brown and you see bubbling from the sides. If the top is browning too quickly lay a loose sheet of foil over during the last ten minutes.

Cool and Chill:

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least thirty minutes so the layers can set. For firmer slices and tidy layers let it chill in the fridge another hour before serving.

Add the Final Touches:

When ready to serve cover the cake with a generous blanket of whipped topping and a scatter of fresh strawberries. If you like finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for pretty serving.

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My favorite part is the cheesecake layer marrying with the warm strawberry filling. Once my niece helped me scatter the cake mix and it became a little tradition for us whenever we want to bake together.

Storage Tips

Once baked and cooled cover your dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to four days and tastes fantastic cold from the fridge. To reheat individual servings place in the microwave for twenty seconds which revives the gooey texture without cooking the whipped topping. If your baking dish allows you can reheat the whole thing in a low oven just until warm.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of strawberry pie filling cherry or blueberry work just as well. For the cake mix swap with vanilla or even white cake for a milder taste. You can make a lighter version with reduced fat cream cheese and whipped topping though it will be a little less rich. Homemade whipped cream is always welcome as a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is stunning served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. For summer gatherings serve chilled and dollop with extra berries and whipped topping. At winter get togethers my family loves it just out of the oven with a cup of coffee or spiced tea. You can also pack up slices for a picnic or lunchbox treat.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Dump cakes like this one have roots in American home baking as a practical way to get dessert on the table with minimal fuss. They are a cousin to cobblers and crisps made famous in community cookbooks and potlucks especially in the Midwest and South. This strawberry cheesecake version brings together the nostalgia of classic dump cakes with a twist from the cream cheese layer for that irresistible cheesecake vibe.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but you'll need to cook them with sugar and a little cornstarch to create a similar consistency and sweetness as pie filling.

→ Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?

Yes, softened cream cheese blends smoothly and ensures a creamy layer without lumps, enhancing the overall texture.

→ Is it necessary to chill the dessert before serving?

Chilling helps set the layers for a firmer slice, but serving warm offers a gooier, comfort-food experience. Both styles are delicious.

→ Can another cake mix flavor substitute yellow cake mix?

Absolutely. White or vanilla cake mix pairs well with strawberries and cheesecake, offering a subtle twist in flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring to room temperature or reheat gently if you prefer a warm texture.