Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: The Easiest Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich cheesecake flavor but wants the ease of a no-fuss recipe. True to its name, this cake requires minimal prep, no mixing bowls, and very little effort. Everything is layered directly into the baking dish, yet the result tastes like a thoughtfully crafted dessert.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is the contrast of textures. The sweet, jammy strawberries form a luscious base, while pockets of creamy cheesecake melt into the fruit as it bakes. The cake mix topping turns golden and buttery, creating a lightly crisp finish that balances the softness underneath. When I first made this dessert, I was genuinely surprised by how well the flavors came together with so little work. It is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or last-minute entertaining when you need something reliable, comforting, and universally loved.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberry pie filling
Strawberry pie filling provides a sweet, fruity base and creates a saucy layer that keeps the cake moist.

Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and delivers the signature cheesecake flavor in soft, creamy pockets.

Granulated sugar
Sugar lightly sweetens the cream cheese, enhancing its flavor without overpowering the dessert.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth, complementing both the strawberries and cream cheese.

Yellow cake mix
Cake mix forms the topping, baking into a golden, slightly crisp layer that contrasts with the soft filling.

Butter
Butter melts into the cake mix, creating a rich, crumbly topping without mixing.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.

In a small bowl, soften the cream cheese and stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry layer.

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, covering the fruit and cream cheese completely. Slice the butter thinly and arrange the pieces evenly across the surface of the cake mix.

Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the layers can set.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This dessert serves eight people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, baking time is approximately 45 minutes, and total time is just under one hour.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy chilled for a cheesecake-like texture.

Variations and Customizations

This dump cake is incredibly flexible. For a mixed berry version, you can replace part of the strawberry filling with blueberry or raspberry filling. I have tested this variation and found it adds pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness.

If you prefer a richer cheesecake presence, increase the amount of cream cheese slightly and distribute it more evenly. A white or vanilla cake mix can be used instead of yellow cake mix for a lighter flavor profile.

For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds over the cake mix before adding the butter. You can also serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dessert is rich and indulgent, providing carbohydrates, fats, and sugars typical of baked desserts. It contains dairy and gluten and is best enjoyed in moderation as a treat.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Even Butter Coverage
Distribute butter evenly to avoid dry cake mix spots.

Soft Cream Cheese
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth pockets.

Golden Topping
Bake until bubbling at the edges for best texture.

Cooling Time
Let the cake rest briefly so layers set properly.

Serving Upgrade
Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for contrast.

FAQs

Do I need to mix the cake batter?

No, the cake mix is used dry.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Pie filling works best for consistency, but cooked fresh strawberries can be used.

Why is my topping powdery?

Butter may not have been evenly distributed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and can be reheated or served cold.

Can I freeze dump cake?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

What pan size works best?

A standard rectangular baking dish works well.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly softer.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It is moderately sweet with a creamy balance.

Can I add lemon zest?

Yes, it adds brightness to the strawberry layer.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, it is a popular choice with children.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is proof that a spectacular dessert does not need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and consistently delicious results, this recipe is a dependable favorite that delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience in every bite.

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