why make this recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a fun and easy dessert that combines the flavors of strawberry and cheesecake in one delightful dish. It’s perfect for both special occasions and simple family dinners. The best part? You don’t have to be a baking expert to make it! This recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings. The layers of strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy cake create a delicious treat that everyone will love.
how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients :
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced; you can substitute with frozen strawberries)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened; low-fat cream cheese works well too)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or gluten-free cake mix)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted; coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup milk (almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
- Prepare the Strawberries
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices, which will enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the luscious cheesecake layer of your dump cake.
- Combine Cake Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, and salt. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Layer the Ingredients
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pour half of the cake batter at the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, followed by the marinated strawberries. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top, ensuring it covers the strawberries and cream cheese evenly.
- Bake the Cake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
how to serve Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
To serve your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, cut it into squares while it’s still warm. You can enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream on top. This dessert looks lovely when topped with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added sweetness.
how to store Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For best results, make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the uneaten portions. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Ensure your cream cheese is really softened for a smooth filling. You can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid a watery cake.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost.
variation
You can easily swap the strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry dump cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips to the cake batter for a fun variation!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and take it out for serving when ready.
Q: Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cake mix to make the entire recipe gluten-free.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different twist.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and let sit for about 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pour half of the cake batter at the bottom.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, followed by the marinated strawberries.
- Pour the remaining cake batter on top to cover evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.