Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and mesmerizing dessert that combines the lusciousness of strawberries with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all topped with a perfect buttery cake layer. Its vibrant colors and mouth-watering flavors evoke warm memories of family gatherings and sunny picnics. This recipe is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple step-by-step directions, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake shines for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, focusing on simple steps that even beginner bakers can master. The ingredients are minimal yet packed with flavor, making it a fantastic crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply indulging at home, this dessert promises to impress. Plus, its creamy cheesecake layer, complemented by juicy strawberries and a buttery cake topping, will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

• 595 grams strawberry pie filling: Juicy and sweet, the strawberry pie filling adds a vibrant burst of flavor, making each bite irresistible.
• 430 grams yellow cake mix: This light, fluffy cake mix serves as the perfect base, providing a delightful contrast to the rich fillings.
• 225 grams cream cheese, softened: Creamy and rich, the softened cream cheese forms the heart of the cheesecake layer, doing wonders in creating a smooth texture.
• 100 grams granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential in dessert, and this sugar balances the overall flavors beautifully.
• 2.5 millilitres vanilla extract: Aromatic and flavorful, vanilla enhances the cake’s aroma, making it even more inviting.
• 115 grams unsalted butter, melted: Bringing richness and moisture, melted butter creates that perfect golden crust on top of the cake mix.
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional): While the pie filling is delicious on its own, fresh strawberries provide a lovely garnish that adds an extra pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish. This ensures your dump cake won’t stick to the pan and will come out effortlessly.

2. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly over the base of the prepared baking dish. This layer serves as the fruity foundation for your cake.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This can take about 2-3 minutes, ensuring no lumps remain.

4. Distribute spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the surface of the strawberry layer. Gently spread it out without disturbing the base. This creates a creamy cheesecake layer that every bite will reveal.

5. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over both the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Make sure to cover the surface completely for a uniformly baked top.

6. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring most of the surface is covered. This will help create a crisp, golden top as it bakes.

7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma!

8. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired for an elegant presentation and added freshness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an added depth of flavor, consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts into the cake mix before sprinkling it on top.
• You can experiment with different pie fillings, like peach or blueberry, for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• If you love a hint of citrus, a teaspoon of lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture can elevate the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. It also pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or a tart glass of lemonade, making it an excellent choice for summer picnics and potlucks.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake contains approximately 300 calories, depending on serving size and optional toppings. It’s a balance of sweetness and richness, with nice sources of carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy it as an occasional treat, and embrace its comforting flavors!

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftovers, keep the dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a slice.

Feel free to customize the recipe! Swap in different fruits or cake mixes, or even try adding chocolate chips for added indulgence.

Conclusion

You won’t regret trying this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Get your ingredients ready and enjoy the simple joy of baking this comforting dessert. Don’t forget to share your experience with family and friends – they’ll be eager to join in on the fun!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

   • Yes! You can use fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to sweeten them a bit to replicate the flavor of pie filling. Consider adding sugar and letting them sit to release some juices.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

   • Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix available in stores. The rest of the ingredients should be checked for gluten-free labels.

3. Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving for the best texture.

4. What should I do if my cake is too dry?

   • Check the baking time; it may need adjustment. You can also drizzle some milk or cream over the top after baking to add moisture.

5. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

   • Yes! You can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute to make this dessert dairy-free.