Life is already a whirlwind of responsibilities, from racing against work deadlines to tackling an ever-growing pile of laundry that magically regenerates, all while fielding the constant inquiries about what sweet treat will grace the table next. With so much on your plate, the idea of embarking on an intricate, time-consuming baking endeavor can feel more like an added burden than a joyful escape. That’s where this strawberry cheesecake dump cake steps in like the dessert fairy godmother you didn’t know you needed or if you’re more in the mood for something decadently rich, check out this Matilda chocolate cake recipe.
Yes, the name might raise a few eyebrows—dump cake? Trust me, it’s way better than it sounds. This beauty is the perfect blend of luscious strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake vibes, and buttery golden cake topping, all thrown together with almost no effort. It’s one of those magical desserts where you literally just dump the ingredients into a pan, pop it in the oven, and somehow end up with something that tastes like it took hours. (Spoiler: it didn’t.)
Whether you’re planning a last-minute gathering, trying to impress your picky eaters, or just craving something sweet after a long day of being a superhero in yoga pants, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe has your back. It’s warm, gooey, comforting, and just fancy enough to serve with pride—especially if you add a big ol’ swirl of whipped cream on top.
And if you’ve ever felt personally attacked by recipes that require twelve bowls, two mixers, and a culinary degree, breathe easy. This one’s got your name written all over it. Ready to treat yourself and your crew to something easy and irresistible?
Let’s get into it.
Contents
- 0.1 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- 0.2 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 0.3 How to Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe (Without Losing Your Mind)
- 0.4 Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Grab Your Favorite Pan
- 0.5 Step 2: Lay Down the Strawberry Goodness
- 0.6 Step 3: Cheesecake Surprise, Coming Right Up
- 0.7 Step 4: The Cake Mix Magic
- 0.8 Step 5: Butter, Baby
- 0.9 Step 6: Bake and Breathe
- 0.10 Step 7: Let It Cool (Sort of)
- 0.11 Step 8: Whip It Good
- 1 Quick Tips for a Better Dump Cake (Because Life’s Too Short for Dessert Regrets)
- 2 A Little Backstory From My Kitchen
- 3 1. Can I use a different fruit filling in this strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe?
- 4 2. Can I make this ahead of time?
- 5 3. How should I store leftovers?
- 6 4. Can I use a white cake mix instead of yellow?
- 7 5. Is it okay to use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Ridiculously Easy: If you can open a can and melt butter, you’re already halfway there.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s sweet, creamy, fruity, and a little bit indulgent—basically everything you want in a dessert. If you’re a fan of fruity dessert combinations, you’ll also love this vanilla cake with strawberry filling for a light and elegant twist.
- Zero Stress: No crust to roll, no batter to beat, and no tears to shed. Just dump, bake, and devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry, your shopping list is as chill as this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake :
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, diced into chunks
- 2 boxes (15.25 oz each) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup melted butter
- Whipped cream for serving (because why not?)
How to Make This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe (Without Losing Your Mind)
Alright, roll up those sleeves (or don’t—this recipe is so easy you barely need to lift a finger). Let’s break this strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe down into stress-free, do-it-in-your-sleep steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Grab Your Favorite Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish—no need to grease it, because we’re letting the butter do the heavy lifting later.
Step 2: Lay Down the Strawberry Goodness

Pop open two cans of strawberry pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of your dish. Take a second to admire the bright red deliciousness—this is the fruity foundation of your strawberry cheesecake dump cake masterpiece.
If you’ve got a spatula, give it a little swirl for fun. If not, a spoon works just fine. There’s no wrong way to dump.
Step 3: Cheesecake Surprise, Coming Right Up

Next, take your cream cheese (an 8-ounce block, cubed) and scatter those little creamy nuggets all over the strawberry layer.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink the placement. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of cheesecake heaven during baking. It’s like finding treasure in every bite.
Step 4: The Cake Mix Magic
Here’s where the “dump” in dump cake earns its name. Open up two boxes of yellow cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the top. Yes—dry. No eggs, no milk, no mixing.
It might feel wrong to just pour dry cake mix and leave it be, but trust the process. Think of it as edible magic dust.
Step 5: Butter, Baby

Melt 1 cup of butter and slowly pour it over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of it as you can. Some dry spots are totally fine—they’ll still bake beautifully.
If your butter pours a little wonky, don’t stress. Uneven butter = crispy golden edges + gooey centers. That’s a win-win in any dessert book.
Step 6: Bake and Breathe
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and your kitchen smells like a strawberry shortcake bakery in the clouds.
You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned. If you jiggle the pan and it gives you a friendly little wobble, it’s ready.
Step 7: Let It Cool (Sort of)
Once it’s out of the oven, let your strawberry cheesecake dump cake rest for about 10–15 minutes. Not just to cool, but to settle into that dreamy scoopable texture.
Can you dig in sooner? Sure. But don’t blame me if you burn your tongue on molten strawberries. (We’ve all been there.)
Step 8: Whip It Good
Scoop into bowls and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This isn’t optional—it’s the fluffy crown on your strawberry cheesecake dump cake empire.
You can get fancy with homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling extra. Or just grab the spray can and go to town. No judgment here.
Quick Tips for a Better Dump Cake (Because Life’s Too Short for Dessert Regrets)
- Cold Butter Hack: If melting butter feels like too much, you can thinly slice cold butter and lay the pieces across the top instead To make this recipe more allergy-friendly, try using a homemade gluten-free flour blend in your dump cake topping. It works just as well—and gives the cake a rustic, crispy topping.
- Get Creative: Swap out one can of strawberry filling for cherry or raspberry if you’re in the mood to experiment. It’s still technically a strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe—we won’t tell.
- Want More Cheesecake Vibes? Use two blocks of cream cheese. You’re a grown-up. You make the rules.
- Crispier Top? Add a sprinkle of sugar (or even crushed graham crackers!) over the cake mix before baking for a little extra crunch.
- No Yellow Cake Mix? White or butter-flavored cake mix works just fine. Even a funfetti mix if you’re feeling whimsical. To achieve a smoother texture in your cake, it’s advisable to use softened cream cheese. For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in your batter
A Little Backstory From My Kitchen
I first stumbled across this strawberry cheesecake dump cake at a church potluck. I’d like to say I gracefully took one polite serving—but let’s be honest, I went back three times and then begged someone’s aunt for the recipe.
It’s been my go-to ever since. I made it for my kids when they had friends over (they were more impressed with the cake than with the pizza, which says a lot). I made it for my sister’s baby shower, and people were scraping the pan clean. And yes—I’ve even made it just for myself on a Tuesday night after a long day, because… why not?
There’s something comforting about a dessert that’s low effort but still feels like a warm hug. And that’s exactly what this cake delivers—without the stress, the cleanup, or the tears over a cracked cheesecake.
There’s something about the way a strawberry cheesecake dump cake brings everyone to the kitchen with wide eyes and hopeful forks. Maybe it’s the sweet smell drifting from the oven or the irresistible thought of strawberries, cream cheese, and cake all mingling in one gloriously gooey bite. Whatever the magic is—it works every single time.
This dessert has become a kind of quiet hero in my recipe box. It doesn’t ask for much—no fancy prep, no hours of labor—but delivers a whole lot of joy. Whether you’re whipping it up after a long day, planning a last-minute get-together, or just craving something comforting and sweet, this cake has your back. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people think you worked way harder than you actually did (and honestly, we’ll let them think that, right?).
One of the best parts? This strawberry cheesecake dump cake is just as fun to make as it is to eat. Layer, pour, bake—done. It’s practically impossible to mess up, which makes it ideal for baking with kids or letting your teen take over dessert duty for the night. And if you’ve got picky eaters at home, chances are good they’ll go back for seconds (maybe even thirds, if you’re not watching).
So whether it ends up as the sweet finale to a family dinner or your secret weapon for potlucks and parties, this strawberry cheesecake dump cake is more than just dessert—it’s your new favorite shortcut to sweet success. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, and don’t be surprised when someone asks, “Can I get the recipe?” Just smile and say, “Oh, it’s easier than it looks.” Because that’s the beauty of it—it really is.
1. Can I use a different fruit filling in this strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe?
Definitely! While the classic strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe uses strawberry pie filling, you can easily swap in cherry, blueberry, or even peach. Just make sure it’s the same canned consistency to keep the magic (and the ease) intact.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead! Just cover it and pop it in the fridge once it cools. When you’re ready to serve, warm it slightly in the oven or microwave. This strawberry cheesecake dump cake holds up really well and still tastes amazing the next day—maybe even better.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This strawberry cheesecake dump cake recipe is super forgiving, so it reheats beautifully in the microwave.
4. Can I use a white cake mix instead of yellow?
Absolutely! White cake mix works just fine if that’s what you have on hand. It gives a slightly lighter flavor but still blends beautifully with the strawberry and cream cheese layers.
5. Is it okay to use reduced-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese gives that rich, creamy bite that makes this strawberry cheesecake dump cake extra indulgent. If you’re watching calories though, the reduced-fat version will still get the job done deliciously.