A simple, rich dessert that layers strawberry pie filling, sweetened cream cheese, and buttery cake mix—just dump, bake, and enjoy the magic.
🍓 Servings: 10–12
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Bake Time: 45 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 55 minutes
🥄 Dietary Info: Vegetarian | Semi-Homemade
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Yellow or white cake mix (dry)
Strawberry pie filling
Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Unsalted butter (melted)
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
Create the Strawberry Base
Spread strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
Drop spoonfuls over the pie filling, then gently spread into an even layer. Avoid mixing it with the fruit layer.
Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Do not press or mix.
Top with Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface, aiming to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Some strawberry filling should peek through the topping.
Cool & Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
🔎 Recipe Notes
Don’t stir the layers—this helps keep the cheesecake, fruit, and cake distinct during baking.
If some dry cake mix remains on top after baking, drizzle a little more melted butter and return to the oven for a few more minutes.
✨ Quick Intro
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the definition of effortless indulgence. It’s rich, sweet, fruity, and buttery all in one bite—with no bowls full of batter or complicated techniques required. Just layer, bake, and let your oven do the work. It’s a perfect dessert for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing sweet with minimal effort.
Pro tip: Make it once and you’ll be “dump cake” obsessed.
👣 Step-by-Step Visual Guide
1. Spread the Strawberry
Use a spatula to evenly coat the dish with pie filling—it should cover the base with no gaps.
2. Cream the Cheesecake
Cream cheese should be room temp for easy mixing. Beat until lump-free, then spoon gently over the fruit layer.
3. Layer the Cake Mix
Keep it dry—resist the urge to mix! That’s the dump cake trick: the dry mix bakes into a golden crust with the butter.
4. Finish with Butter
Pour melted butter slowly to saturate the mix. Don’t skip corners!
🥄 Ingredient Tips & Variations
Ingredient Insights:
Strawberry Pie Filling: Use a variety with whole strawberries for best texture.
Cake Mix: Yellow gives a rich, buttery flavor. White is more delicate.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat offers the best texture and flavor.
Flavor Variations:
Swap blueberry or cherry pie filling for variety.
Add sliced almonds or graham cracker crumbs on top for a crunchy twist.
Stir in lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a citrusy contrast.
🍽 Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve With:
A dollop of whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
Iced coffee or a sparkling rosé
For a party, bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized desserts.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the layers and refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day. Add butter and bake when ready.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade pie filling?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick and jammy like store-bought.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can cut the sugar in the cream cheese layer slightly, but the sweetened condensed milk and cake mix contribute to the overall sweetness.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the pie filling and cream cheese are GF-certified.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is your shortcut to dessert greatness. Whether you’re hosting brunch, a holiday dinner, or just need a sweet fix, this treat delivers bakery-level results with pantry staples and barely any dishes.
💬 Share Your Take!
Made it? Loved it? Tried a twist with blueberries or raspberries? Drop your feedback in the comments and tag your version on social—I’d love to see your dump cake creation!