Can I use frozen strawberries?

The recipe provided uses strawberry pie filling rather than plain frozen strawberries. If you want to use frozen fruit, you would need to turn it into a properly thickened pie filling first. This is the key when answering What Dessert Can I Make With Frozen Strawberries for this particular style of dump cake.

Can I use strawberry cake mix?

Yes. Strawberry cake mix intensifies the strawberry flavor.

Can I use yellow cake mix?

Absolutely. Yellow cake mix adds a richer buttery-cake flavor.

Can I use white cake mix?

Yes. White cake mix keeps the flavor lighter and lets the strawberries shine.

Can I use vanilla cake mix?

Yes. Vanilla works beautifully with both the strawberry and cheesecake flavors.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, provided you use a gluten-free cake mix and verify the other ingredients are suitable for your needs.

Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes. Freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Should I serve it warm or cold?

Either works. Warm gives you a softer, gooier dessert, while chilled gives the cheesecake layer a firmer texture.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake | Easy Dessert Using Cream Cheese

Description

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines sweet strawberry pie filling with a creamy cheesecake layer and a golden, buttery cake-mix topping. It takes just a few simple steps to assemble and makes an easy dessert for parties, potlucks, holidays, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans strawberry pie filling, 15 ounces each; 21-ounce cans can also work
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package vanilla or white cake mix
1/2 cup salted butter, very cold
Fresh strawberries, whole or halved, for optional garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven.
Set the oven to 350°F so it is fully heated by the time the assembled dessert is ready to bake.
Prepare the strawberry base.
Open both cans of strawberry pie filling and spread the filling evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to push the filling into the corners so you have an even fruit layer covering the entire base.
Make the cheesecake mixture.
Place the softened cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl. Add the egg and granulated sugar. Beat the ingredients together with a hand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so no large chunks of cream cheese remain.
Add the cheesecake layer.
Spoon small portions of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. Try to distribute the spoonfuls across the entire surface instead of placing them all in one area. Gently spread the mixture with the back of a spoon so the cheesecake layer is as evenly distributed as possible. It does not need to look perfect because the layers will soften and meld together during baking.
Add the cake mix.
Sprinkle the entire package of dry cake mix over the strawberry and cream cheese layers. Spread the powder evenly from edge to edge. Aim for a consistent layer so the finished topping bakes as evenly as possible.
Slice the butter.
Keep the butter very cold while preparing it. Using a sharp knife, cut the butter into extremely thin pieces. Thin slices make it much easier to cover the surface of the dry cake mix and reduce the chance of leaving large dry areas.
Cover the cake mix with butter.
Arrange the thin butter slices across the entire top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible. The butter melts as the dessert bakes and provides the moisture needed to transform the dry cake mix into a golden, crisp topping.
Bake the dump cake.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the topping as it cooks. You are looking for a browned, evenly baked surface, while the strawberry filling should begin bubbling up around the edges.
Check the topping before removing it.
Look carefully at the center and edges for any remaining patches of dry cake mix. If you notice areas that still look powdery, drizzle a little melted butter over those spots and continue baking until the topping becomes golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Rest before serving.
Remove the finished Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven and let it stand for about 15 minutes. This gives the hot fruit and cream cheese layers time to settle and makes it easier to scoop clean portions.
Serve.
Spoon the dump cake into bowls while it is still warm or wait until it has cooled more completely. Add fresh strawberries on top if desired. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream also makes an excellent finishing touch.

Notes

Keep the butter cold so you can slice it into thin pieces more easily.
White, vanilla, or yellow cake mix all work well in this recipe.
Strawberry cake mix can be used when you want an even stronger strawberry flavor.
Fresh strawberries make an easy and attractive garnish.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The finished dessert can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 441mg
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 61g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 53mg