This Easter Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a fun and easy dessert! Layers of moist cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries come together beautifully.
It’s a simple one-pan treat that tastes like a dream. And honestly, who can resist that mix of cheesecake and strawberries? Perfect for sharing—or not! 😉
I love how quickly it comes together. Just dump everything in the pan, pop it in the oven, and you’re ready to enjoy a slice of heavenly goodness in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base for your cake, adding sweetness and fluffiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use a gluten-free cake mix or make a homemade version with flour, baking powder, and sugar.
Strawberry Pie Filling: It provides moisture and sweetness. You can substitute it with other pie fillings like blueberry or cherry if strawberries aren’t available. If you prefer fresh fruit, use about 4 cups of chopped strawberries and add some sugar to mimic the pie filling.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that cheesecake flavor! For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also try mascarpone cheese for a richer taste.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese mixture. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, use coconut sugar or a sweetener like Stevia, but note it may slightly change the texture.
How Do You Ensure a Fluffy Layer of Cake Mix?
To get that perfect crumbly topping, it’s important to sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly across the strawberry layer. Make sure you don’t pack it down; just let it lay loosely. The melting butter will soak through, creating a delicious crust.
- Drizzle the melted butter gently but thoroughly, covering most of the cake mix.
- Check that no dry spots remain uncovered to avoid gritty parts after baking.
How to Make Easter Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 45-50 minutes to bake. Be sure to allow at least 30 minutes for the cake to cool and set before serving, making the total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for a delicious Easter treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the cake. Grease a 9×9 inch square glass baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy – this will make your cheesecake layer rich and delicious!
3. Assemble the Layers:
Spread the smooth cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, pour both cans of strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, making sure to spread it out evenly so every slice has that yummy strawberry goodness.
4. Add the Cake Mix:
Now, take the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the strawberry layer. Be careful not to pack it down; just let it sit loosely on top. This will create a lovely crumbly topping!
5. Drizzle with Butter:
Pour the melted butter over the cake mix layer, trying to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. This helps the cake mix bake into a delicious crust. Don’t worry if some spots are not covered; it will still turn out great!
6. Bake the Cake:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to be golden brown and bubbling around the edges. That’s when you know it’s time to take it out!
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This helps it set up nicely. Before serving, you can top it with fresh strawberries if you’d like, adding a lovely touch of color and taste.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Easter Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake warm or chilled, whichever way you prefer. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! You can experiment with any flavor of cake mix you like, such as white, lemon, or even chocolate, to give your dump cake a unique twist. Just keep in mind that flavor pairings will vary.
Can I Substitute Fresh Strawberries for the Pie Filling?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries! Just chop about 4 cups of fresh strawberries and mix them with a little sugar to mimic the sweetness of pie filling. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes before layering to create some juice.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also reheat it gently in the microwave or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge!
Can I Freeze This Dump Cake?
Yes, you can freeze strawberry cheesecake dump cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
