Strawberry cheesecake dump cake has become my go-to dessert for impressing guests without the stress. I remember the first time I made this easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake for a family gathering; the aroma of warm strawberries and sweet cake filling my kitchen was intoxicating. Everyone raved about the creamy cheesecake layer and the perfectly baked cake topping, and I felt like a baking pro! It’s truly a delicious strawberry cheesecake dump cake dessert that’s simple enough for beginners, making it my favorite homemade strawberry cheesecake dump cake. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:
- It tastes absolutely divine, with a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and sweet, fruity strawberries.
- With only 15 minutes of prep time, it’s the ultimate quick strawberry cheesecake dump cake for busy weeknights.
- While it’s a dessert, the fresh fruit adds a touch of natural goodness.
- It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using common ingredients you likely already have.
- It’s a fantastic dessert for the whole family; even picky eaters adore it.
- The simplicity makes it ideal for strawberry cheesecake dump cake for beginners.
- It’s a truly delicious strawberry cheesecake dump cake dessert that’s hard to mess up.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Gathering your strawberry cheesecake dump cake ingredients is the first step to this delightful dessert. You’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix – this forms the golden, tender topping
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened – essential for that luscious, creamy cheesecake layer
- 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens both the cream cheese and the cake mix
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen) – for that burst of fruity flavor; frozen works great!
- ½ cup butter, melted – helps create a crispier cake topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the sweet flavors
- 1 cup water – helps bind the cake mix topping together
Having these simple strawberry cheesecake dump cake ingredients ready makes the assembly a breeze.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Let’s get started on this incredibly simple strawberry cheesecake dump cake! It really lives up to its name because the process is so straightforward.
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes for easy serving later.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and the granulated sugar. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This forms the luscious cheesecake layer that makes this dessert so special.
- Step 4: Gently spread this delightful cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Step 5: Next, arrange your sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Whether you use fresh or frozen, they’ll bake down into a sweet, jammy layer.
- Step 6: Now, for the cake topping! In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and water. Mix these ingredients until they are just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine for this easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake.
- Step 7: Pour this cake batter mixture evenly over the layer of strawberries. Try to cover the fruit as much as possible so you get that cakey goodness in every bite.
- Step 8: Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll smell the sweet, fruity aroma filling your kitchen – a sure sign it’s ready!
- Step 9: Once baked, let the strawberry cheesecake dump cake cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream is pure bliss!
Following these steps is key to mastering how to make strawberry cheesecake dump cake.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Want to elevate your easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference:
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese: It’s crucial for that smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer. Cold cream cheese will be clumpy.
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t great: Frozen berries often have more concentrated flavor and release more juice as they bake, creating a delicious syrupy layer.
- Press the cake mix down gently: After pouring the cake mix over the strawberries, lightly press it down with a spatula. This helps ensure the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t leave large air pockets.
- Let it rest: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing makes it much easier to cut clean portions.
What’s the secret to perfect strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
The real secret to a best strawberry cheesecake dump cake is the combination of the creamy, tangy cheesecake layer with the sweet, slightly jammy cooked strawberries, all topped with a perfectly baked cake mix crust. It’s that contrast of textures and flavors that makes it so irresistible!
Can I make strawberry cheesecake dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this strawberry cheesecake dump cake a day in advance. Just cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
A common pitfall is using cold cream cheese, which leads to lumps. Ensure it’s properly softened! Also, avoid overmixing the cake batter; a few lumps are fine. Lastly, make sure you cover the entire fruit layer with the cake mix to prevent dry, burnt spots.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This delightful strawberry cheesecake dump cake dessert is fantastic served warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm cake is pure heaven, or you can go with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a lighter touch. For a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or even some crushed graham crackers on top adds a lovely texture contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making it a perfect ending to any meal.
Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious dessert:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used in your homemade strawberry cheesecake dump cake.
How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Once your delicious strawberry cheesecake dump cake has cooled down, storing it properly is key to enjoying it later. For the best results, make sure it’s completely cooled before you put it away. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This will keep your dessert fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for even longer, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, you can reheat it gently. A microwave is perfect for this; just pop a slice in for about 30 seconds to warm it up. This makes it easy to grab a comforting bite from your easy dump cake recipes strawberry cheesecake stash anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
What is strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
A strawberry cheesecake dump cake is a wonderfully simple dessert where you “dump” ingredients into a baking dish and bake. It combines a creamy cheesecake-like layer, sweet strawberries, and a cake mix topping, creating a delicious, layered treat with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate dessert for when you want something special without the fuss.
Why make strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
You should make a strawberry cheesecake dump cake because it delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction with minimal prep. It’s perfect for beginners, busy bakers, or anyone craving a comforting, fruity, and creamy dessert. Plus, the combination of textures and flavors makes it a guaranteed hit for potlucks, family dinners, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Can I use different fruits in my strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, this dessert is very versatile. You can easily substitute the strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, mixed berries, or even sliced peaches. Just ensure they are roughly the same quantity and, if using frozen, they’ll release extra juice which is delicious! For more fruit-based recipes, check out these fruit recipes.
How do I get a crispy topping on my strawberry cheesecake dump cake?
For a crispier topping, make sure your butter is fully melted and evenly distributed over the cake mix. Some people also like to sprinkle a little extra sugar or cinnamon on top before baking. Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature and not opening the door too often during baking also helps achieve a golden, crisp crust. Learning about proper baking temperatures can help ensure success, as discussed in baking tips.
Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake You Can Try
Thinking about trying some new strawberry cheesecake dump cake variations? You’re in luck, because this dessert is super adaptable! For a gluten-free version, simply swap the yellow cake mix for a good-quality gluten-free cake mix. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and a plant-based butter. Another fun idea is to add a layer of shredded coconut or chopped pecans over the strawberries before adding the cake mix for extra texture and flavor. You could even try a different cake mix flavor, like white or vanilla, for a slightly different base. These simple twists offer delicious strawberry cheesecake dump cake variations for everyone to enjoy!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Divine 15-Min Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An effortless and delicious dessert combining creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and a cake mix topping. This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Layer the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and water. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the cake mixture evenly over the layer of strawberries.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A







