Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake: A Sweet & Easy Dessert

If you love easy desserts that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, then this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is for you. With just six simple ingredients, you can create a rich, buttery, and creamy cake that’s bursting with sweet strawberry flavor. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a last-minute dessert craving, this dump cake recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Introduction

Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts to make because they require no mixing, no complicated steps, and no special baking skills. As the name suggests, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The result? A golden, buttery cake with a creamy, fruity filling that tastes like it took hours to make!

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake combines the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberry pie filling with rich, velvety cream cheese and a buttery cake topping. The contrast of textures—creamy, fruity, and crumbly—makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook looking for an effortless treat, this simple and delicious dessert is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

To make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

1 box yellow or white cake mix
1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling

Pour the strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. This will create a sweet and fruity base for the cake.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spoon dollops of this mixture over the strawberry filling and gently spread it out. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—it will melt into the cake as it bakes, creating delicious pockets of creamy goodness.

4. Add the Cake Mix Layer

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese layers. Make sure the cake mix covers everything completely to create a crispy, golden topping.

5. Drizzle with Butter

Slowly pour the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible to help it bake evenly and achieve a deliciously buttery, crumbly texture.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The cream cheese should be melted, and the strawberry filling should be bubbling around the edges.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

Use a Different Cake Mix: While yellow and white cake mixes work well, you can try vanilla, butter pecan, or even strawberry cake mix for a fun twist.
Mix the Butter & Cake Mix: If you want a more even texture, combine the cake mix with melted butter before sprinkling it on top. This creates a more uniform crust.
Make It Extra Fruity: Add fresh strawberries or a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the pie filling for extra texture and flavor.
Soften the Cream Cheese Properly: To avoid lumps, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.

Cooking Tips

To elevate your Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, consider these pro tips:

Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake mix before baking for added texture.
Make It Chocolatey: Drizzle some melted chocolate or Nutella over the top before serving for a decadent twist.
Use a Different Pie Filling: Try this recipe with blueberry, cherry, or peach pie filling for a variety of flavors.
Reduce the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use unsweetened strawberries instead of pie filling and mix them with a little cornstarch and sugar.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is best enjoyed warm, but there are plenty of ways to serve it:

With Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cake.
Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Add an extra layer of indulgence with your favorite dessert sauce.
Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream balances the richness of the cake.
With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a slice as a sweet treat alongside your morning or afternoon coffee.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 250mg
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Freeze: You can freeze this dump cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes! Simply mix 2 cups of fresh strawberries with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to create a homemade fruit filling.

Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, use a sugar-free or reduced-sugar cake mix.

What’s the best way to ensure even butter distribution?
Mix the cake mix and melted butter together before spreading it on top for a more even texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, try these other delicious dessert recipes:

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the perfect quick and easy dessert that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it chilled, this buttery, fruity, and creamy cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert with every bite! 🍓🍰