What makes a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake so loved? It’s sweet, simple, and one of those easy dessert recipes for families that feels special without the fuss. My mom was a nurse who came home exhausted, yet still cooked with me by her side.
I learned joy in the kitchen watching her. Now, I carry that forward with recipes like this quick and cheap meals for busy households, even an easy dump cake with cream cheese.
Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Comfort, Bite After Bite
- It’s my go-to dessert when the day’s been too much.
- My mom never baked fancy, but every bite felt like care.
- Now I do the same. Cake mix. Cream cheese. Heart.
The Ingredients Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- Cooking spray
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Finely grated zest of 2 medium lemons (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Stuffani’s Comfort
This is one of those easy strawberry cheesecake desserts that never fails. No stress, no guessing. Just sweet, tangy, buttery comfort made with simple pantry finds and love. It’s also one of my favorite affordable meal ideas with cake mix.
Instructions Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep the dish
Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Stuffani’s tip: A little spray saves a lot of scrubbing. Trust me I’ve tried skipping it. Regret tastes worse than burned crust.
Step 2: Make the crust
Stir the cake mix and melted butter in a large bowl. Press into the dish to form a flat layer.
Kitchen truth: Boxed mix is magic when you let it. My mom showed me that shortcuts don’t mean less love.
Step 3: Mix the filling
Beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until creamy. Spread over the crust.
Stephanie’s tip: My mom always told me the secret to a smooth, fluffy batter is to not rush the mixing. Every bite just melts.
Step 4: Add the strawberries
Spread the strawberry pie filling across the cream cheese layer.
Stuffani’s whisper: It looks messy going on but that glossy red top always bakes into something beautiful.
Step 5: Bake and chill
Bake 45 minutes, until the edges are golden and bubbly. Cool 30 minutes. Chill at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Stuffani’s Truth: Waiting is the hardest part. But good things like this cake deserve their time.
Step 6: Serve with love
Let sit 15 minutes before slicing. Add fresh strawberries if you’re feeling fancy.
Stephanie’s tip: Sometimes I eat it right in the kitchen, and other times I serve it like a professional chef. Both ways taste like home.
For more easy dessert recipes for families, pair this cake with my Deep Fried Lasagna Mozzarella Sticks Recipe savory then sweet, the perfect kitchen duet.
Ways to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Yours
- Some nights, I follow the recipe as written.
- Other nights, I swap, stir, and let my sweet tooth decide.
Real swaps that feel like home
- No strawberry pie filling? Try blueberry or cherry it’s still sweet comfort in a dish.
- No lemon zest? A splash of orange juice wakes it up just fine.
- No cream cheese? Mascarpone makes it a silky strawberry cheesecake cobbler.
- Want another playful twist? My Oreo Cream Cheese Cheesecake Sushi Roll makes dessert night unforgettable.
Stuffani’s Whisper: My mom never stopped just because she was missing something. She came home tired from nursing shifts, swapped what she had, and still made dessert magic. Some of our best memories came from those imperfect, hopeful swaps.
Easy touches that tell your story
- Dust with powdered sugar for a café finish.
- Drizzle melted chocolate instead of strawberries when you crave cozy richness.
- At Christmas, scatter crushed peppermint on top easy holiday desserts for parties made simple.
- Want another family favorite? My Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups always disappear first at the table.
Stuffani’s Tip: Dessert isn’t about perfect lines or flawless layers. My dump cakes have cracked, bubbled, and looked messy. But my family? They only remember the sweetness, the laughter, and that one bite that felt like home.
Serving and Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is my reset button when days feel heavy.
- It’s creamy, sweet, and always tastes like joy baked golden.
How to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Slice straight from the pan it’s an easy strawberry cheesecake dessert that never needs dressing up.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or whipped cream for that café touch.
- Serve with coffee after dinner for family meal plans with quick desserts that feel complete.
- For a cozy match, my Pineapple Strawberry Pound Cake brings sunshine to any dessert spread.
Stuffani’s Note: I remember Mom pulling desserts from the oven after twelve-hour shifts, still in scrubs. No fancy plates, just forks, napkins, and smiles. That’s the memory I chase every time I make this dump cake sweetness shared, even when life is messy.
How to store and enjoy later
- Let the cake cool completely before covering it keeps the cream firm.
- Wrap the dish tightly in foil or store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Slice only when ready to serve.
- For budget-friendly dinner and dessert pairings, plan ahead with a simple pasta dish and finish with this cake.
Stuffani’s Whisper: I’ve been known to tuck a slice in the back of the fridge. Not to hide it… okay, maybe a little. Because moms deserve their own Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake moment too.
Mistakes, Fixes, and Fun Twists
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Top too dry | Not enough butter in crust | Add 2–3 tbsp more melted butter next time |
| Cheesecake too lumpy | Cold cream cheese used | Always soften & whip until smooth before layering |
| Center undercooked | Oven temp too low / pan too deep | Bake longer, tent edges with foil to prevent burning |
Stuffani’s Whisper: Don’t beat yourself up over a cracked cake or a soggy middle. Dessert isn’t about flawless layers it’s about that bite that makes someone close their eyes and say, “Mmm.”
3 Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix. Rich, bold, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Berry Medley Cheesecake: Mix blueberry and raspberry filling with the strawberry. A colorful, tangy twist.
- Peach Strawberry Cobbler Style: Layer in fresh or canned peach slices with the strawberry filling. Sweet, rustic, and comforting.
Stuffani’s Note: My mom always believed recipes were starting points, not rules. She’d swap, stir, and stretch whatever we had until it became something new. That’s where the best memories came from.
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FAQs About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Can I make this with fresh strawberries?
Yes. Slice and sugar them first for best flavor.
Do I need to refrigerate dump cake?
Yes. Cream cheese desserts must be chilled for freshness.
Can I use different cake mixes?
Absolutely. Chocolate, lemon, or spice cake mixes all work.
Why is it called a “dump” cake?
Because you “dump” the layers into the pan no mixing needed.
Conclusion
- This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than dessert it’s comfort in a pan.
- It’s creamy, sweet, and simple enough for any busy night.
- One recipe, big flavor, and a memory-making easy strawberry cheesecake dessert for families.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Easy Creamy Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a creamy, fruity, and golden-baked dessert that layers cake mix, cream cheese filling, and strawberry topping for an easy yet indulgent treat. Perfect for busy families, holidays, or make-ahead desserts.
Ingredients
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
Cooking spray
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Finely grated zest of 2 medium lemons (about 4 teaspoons)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
Fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Stir cake mix and melted butter in a large bowl until combined. Press into the dish to form a flat, even crust.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until creamy. Spread over the crust layer.
4. Spread strawberry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
5. Bake 45 minutes, until edges are golden brown and bubbly, with a slightly jiggly center.
6. Cool for 30 minutes. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Let sit 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.
Notes
For best results, always soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors settle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, easy strawberry cheesecake dessert, cake mix recipes, quick desserts for families, affordable baking ideas
