Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Why make this recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a special treat at home. Its simple preparation makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the layers of flavor will impress your family and friends!
How to make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced; you can substitute with frozen strawberries)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened; low-fat cream cheese works well too)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or gluten-free cake mix)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted; coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup milk (almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices, which will enhance the flavor of your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the luscious cheesecake layer of your dump cake.
Step 4: Combine Cake Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, and salt. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pour half of the cake batter at the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, followed by the marinated strawberries. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top, ensuring it covers the strawberries and cream cheese evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
How to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Serve this delicious dump cake warm or at room temperature. It’s great on its own, but you can also top it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. Enjoy it as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack during the day!
How to store Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual pieces. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the strawberries; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and achieve a smooth filling.
- For a fun twist, try adding a few chocolate chips to the cake batter for added sweetness.
Variation (if any)
You can customize this dump cake by using other fruits like blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries. You can also experiment with different flavored cake mixes, such as chocolate or lemon, for a unique taste.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese and alternative milk options like almond or oat milk work well in this recipe.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
You can use any size baking dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. A smaller dish may take longer to bake, while a larger one may bake faster.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pour half of the cake batter at the bottom.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, followed by the marinated strawberries.
- Pour the remaining cake batter on top, ensuring it covers the strawberries and cream cheese evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
