The Best easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
introduction
Ever crave a dessert that’s insanely easy, totally delicious, and tastes like it took hours to make? That’s exactly what you get with this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a rich, fruity, creamy treat that comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples.
Dump cakes are beloved for their no-mess, no-mixer simplicity. You just toss your ingredients into a baking dish, one layer at a time, and let the oven do the rest. This version takes things up a notch with luscious strawberry pie filling, a tangy cheesecake layer, and a buttery yellow cake mix topping that bakes into a golden, slightly crisp crust. The result? A cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a strawberry cheesecake met a cobbler in the best way possible.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the key benefits of this recipe, the simple ingredients and tools you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, delicious variations, and expert serving ideas. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or planning your next potluck dish, this easy strawberry cheesecake with cake mix will become your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Making Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Strawberry cheesecake dump cake offers multiple advantages that make it a go-to dessert for busy cooks and gathering hosts you get all the flavor of a cheesecake and cobbler with almost zero prep work.
- Quick & Easy: Just layer and bake – no fancy steps. This no-mixer, no-stir method lets you assemble the entire dessert in minutes and frees up your time for other tasks. It’s a perfect solution when you need a show-stopping dessert without the fuss of traditional baking.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only a few pantry staples needed. Most recipes call for just pie filling, cake mix, butter, and cream cheese for the cheesecake layer. Even a classic three-ingredient dump cake proves how little you need to create a crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Crowd Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults – great for potlucks, parties, or holidays. Its combination of sweet strawberry filling with creamy cheesecake and buttery cake mix topping appeals across all ages. Because dump cakes lend themselves to endless fruit and mix variations, they’re always a hit at get-togethers.
- Versatile Flavors: Swap fruits or cake mix types for new combos. You can easily switch strawberry filling for blueberry, cherry, peach, or rhubarb to keep things interesting. Feel free to toss on some spices, nuts, or even crushed cookies to switch up the flavor and texture.
- Seasonally Adaptable: This recipe shines year-round—use fresh summer berries when they’re ripe or canned fruit in the off-season for consistent results. Its adaptability also makes it easy to accommodate dietary preferences like gluten-free mixes or reduced-sugar fillings
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start assembling your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, gather these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—the kind that turn a few cans and a box mix into a show-stopping dessert (and you won’t need to make a grocery run at the last minute).
- Strawberry pie filling – 1 (21–30 oz) can for a sweet, tangy base that bubbles up into every bite.
- Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened to room temperature so it spreads easily into a creamy cheesecake layer.
- Yellow cake mix – 1 (15.25 oz) box provides the buttery cake top that bakes to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick), sliced or melted, dotted over the dry cake mix to create a crisp, buttery crust.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon enhances the cheesecake layer with warm, floral notes.
- (Optional) Fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, whipped cream – for an extra pop of color, sweetness, and creaminess at serving time
Essential Tools & Utensils
Before you start layering flavors in your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, make sure you have these simple, kitchen-friendly tools on hand—no fancy gadgets required:
- 9×13-inch baking dish – The classic size for dump cakes; an anodized aluminum brownie pan works perfectly for even browning and easy release.
- Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl to soften and whip your cream cheese layer before “dumping” it in.
- Spatula or spoon – For spreading the cheesecake filling and smoothing out the cake mix topping without scratching your bakeware.
- Electric hand mixer (or whisk) – Speeds up cream cheese blending, but a sturdy whisk works in a pinch.
- Measuring spoons – Precision matters, especially for vanilla extract and any optional flavorings.
- Oven mitts – Safety first: protect your hands when pulling that hot, bubbling dessert from the oven.
With just these tools, your dump cake assembly will be a breeze—and cleanup even easier
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Tips)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Evenly spread the entire can of strawberry pie filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Beat softened cream cheese and vanilla until smooth, then drop spoonfuls over the strawberry layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top; do not stir or press.
- Dot the surface with thin slices of cold unsalted butter (or drizzle with melted butter) to create that golden, crisp topping.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the strawberry filling bubbles at the edges.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before serving so the layers set up nicely.
“The magic of a dump cake is that everything bakes in layers — no mixing, no fuss.”
Pro Tips & Variations
- Add a graham cracker crust layer: Before dumping in the strawberry filling, sprinkle a thin layer of crushed graham crackers mixed with a bit of melted butter. This gives your dump cake an authentic cheesecake crust vibe that enhances texture.
- Switch up the fruit filling: While strawberry is classic, feel free to use blueberry, cherry, peach, or even mixed berry pie filling for a fresh twist on a layered dump cake recipe.
- Try different cake mix flavors: Swap the yellow cake mix for white, vanilla, or even a strawberry cake mix to complement your filling or lighten the overall flavor profile.
- Boost brightness with lemon zest: Stir a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest into the cream cheese layer. The citrus note cuts through the sweetness for a more balanced cheesecake-with-fruit experience.
- Go gluten-free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and confirm your pie filling is GF to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing ease or flavor.
- Add a streusel topping: For extra crunch, mix together ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the cake mix before baking for a crumbly, coffee-cake–style twist.
- Turn it into a cobbler: Skip the cake mix and use an equal weight of self-rising flour, sugar, and butter slices for a cream cheese strawberry cobbler that bakes up slightly more rustic and hand-held.
Chef’s Tips for Success
Elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from good to unforgettable with these pro-level pointers—each backed by expert recommendations and tested techniques.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature before blending to ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake layer. Cold cream cheese can lead to uneven dollops and under-mixed pockets of flavor.
- Resist stirring the layers once assembled; the hallmark of a dump cake is its distinct layers baking independently. Over-mixing will blend the filling and topping, resulting in a dense texture rather than the ideal creamy-fruit and crisp-cake contrast.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease and flour it for effortless cleanup and perfect slice release. Parchment prevents sticking while preserving the cake’s delicate edge structure.
- Arrange butter in thin, even slices across the dry cake mix rather than pooling it in one spot. This ensures uniform melting and a golden-brown, buttery crust throughout.
- Let the cake rest 10–15 minutes after baking on a wire rack. This brief cooling period allows the layers to set, making slicing cleaner and sharpening the flavor contrast between warm filling and firm topping.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract rather than imitation. Real vanilla provides nuanced floral notes that round out the tang of the cheesecake layer and complement the strawberry filling.

Serving Suggestions
Transform your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake into an unforgettable dessert experience with these creative ideas:
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A classic combination, whipped cream adds lightness, while a scoop of no-churn vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cake for extra creaminess.
- Enhance the berry flavor with strawberry ice cream or fresh berries. For more intensity, go with no-churn strawberry ice cream or sliced strawberries.
- Dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of yogurt. A light sprinkling of powdered sugar brings a pretty finish, while tangy Greek yogurt offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet layers.
- Enjoy warm or chilled. Serve straight from the oven so it’s bubbling and gooey, or chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the layers firm up for neat slices.
- Pair with a robust coffee. A full-bodied French roast or an espresso-based brew counters the dessert’s sweetness and highlights its creamy cheesecake notes.
- Serve alongside sparkling rosé. The light bubbles and fruity character of rosé complement red-fruit desserts perfectly, making it an elegant choice for special occasions
Jump to Recipe

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 21 oz can strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 15.25 oz box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick 8 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced or melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Log in or sign up to view
- Optional garnish Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla until smooth; drop spoonfuls over the filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top—do not stir.
- Dot with butter slices or drizzle melted butter over the surface.
- Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing, allowing layers to set.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~314 kcal and some estimates up to 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
- Sodium: 309 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 51 g
- Protein: 3 g
Note: Calorie and sugar content can vary based on the brands of cake mix, pie filling, and cream cheese you use, as well as your chosen portion size .
Conclusion
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers all the creamy, fruity goodness of a classic cheesecake with the ease of a dump cake. In just minutes of prep and a single pan, you’ll achieve that golden, bubbly top and tangy-sweet layers that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or craving a simple weeknight treat, this recipe checks every box: minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. Ready to bake? Pin this recipe now, try it at your next potluck, and be sure to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh fruit, macerate 4 cups of sliced strawberries with ½–1 cup sugar for 30 minutes until juicy, then stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken—use this in place of canned filling.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes—yellow or white cake mix are classic, but you can swap in vanilla, strawberry, spice, or even chocolate to change the flavor profile. Popular brands include Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker, and many home bakers report great results with any standard boxed mix.
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for the canned pie filling?
Yes—slice about 4 cups of fresh berries and toss them with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, then let sit for 30 minutes. This creates a juicy, thickened fruit layer that mimics pie filling texture perfectly
Similar Recipes
- How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake from Scratch
- best Strawberry Crumb Cake You’ll Fall in Love With
- The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe Ever
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies : How to Make Delicious
Have you given our recipe a try ?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.