Are you craving a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe! This dessert is not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dump cake is sure to become a crowd favorite.
What is a Dump Cake?
Dump cake refers to a simple dessert made by “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish without the need for mixing. These cakes are known for their convenience and delicious outcome, often involving a combination of canned fruits, cake mix, and butter. The Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake takes this convenience to the next level by incorporating the flavors of a classic cheesecake.
Ingredients:
To prepare this mouth-watering dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (21 ounces) of strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (about 15.25 ounces) of white cake mix
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream for garnishing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure your oven is hot before you start assembling the cake, as an accurate oven temperature is key for perfect baking.
- Prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the strawberry pie filling. Spread the can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the cream cheese. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. Dot the mixture over the strawberry pie filling. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just drop dollops of the mixture around the dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix. Open the package of white cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layers.
- Drizzle with melted butter. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible with the butter to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Bake the dump cake. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and serve. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless to prepare: Just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the rest.
- Delicious combination of flavors: The sweetness of strawberries blends perfectly with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake.
- Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal celebrations.
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a foolproof dessert that guarantees to impress without the stress. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delectable treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to deliver in both ease and flavor. Give it a try for your next dessert craving!
Remember, desserts like this not only offer a sweet finish to any meal but also create moments of joy and comfort. So, don’t hesitate to explore the simplicity and deliciousness of dump cakes. Happy baking!
Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
After preparing your delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’ll want to make sure it’s served in the best way possible and stored correctly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some essential tips on serving and storing your cake to ensure it remains as delightful as when it first came out of the oven.
Serving Tips:
- Best Served Warm: This dump cake is particularly tantalizing when served warm. The warmth enhances the gooey texture of the cake and melds the flavors beautifully. If you’ve prepared the cake in advance, simply reheat it in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: While this cake is delightful on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert to a new level. The coolness and creaminess of the ice cream contrast perfectly with the warm cake.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Add some freshness and color to your dessert by garnishing it with fresh strawberry slices and a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Not only does this make the cake more visually appealing, but it also adds a refreshing touch to each bite.
- Serve Coffee or Tea: Complement the sweetness of the cake with a cup of coffee or tea. The bitterness of the coffee or the mildness of tea makes a perfect balance to the sweet, creamy elements of the cake.
Storage Tips:
- Allow to Cool Completely: Before storing any leftovers, allow the cake to cool completely. Storing the cake while it is still warm can trap moisture, leading to a soggy texture.
- Refrigerate Covered: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. This dessert contains cream cheese, making it necessary to keep it refrigerated to prevent spoilage. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days when properly stored.
- Freezing for Long Term Storage: If you have a lot of leftovers or want to keep the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
- Reheating: To bring back the cake’s warm, comforting texture, reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 300 degrees F until just warm. This will help restore the buttery, soft texture of the cake.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that every slice of your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is as enjoyable as the first. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying a leftover piece, these tips will help you keep your cake delicious and delightful.
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling, but it’s important to modify the recipe slightly to ensure the best results. Fresh strawberries can release more liquid than canned pie filling, which might make the cake too soggy. To use fresh strawberries, slice them and mix with a couple of tablespoons of sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out some juice. Drain the excess liquid before using. You might also consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the strawberries to help thicken their juices during baking.
2. How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?
Your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is fully baked when the top is golden brown and crispy. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (but no wet batter), the cake is done. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking the cake around the 40-minute mark.
3. Can I make this dump cake with other types of pie filling?
Absolutely! One of the great things about dump cakes is their versatility. You can easily substitute the strawberry pie filling with another flavor like blueberry, cherry, or apple. Each type of pie filling will bring a unique flavor to the dessert, so feel free to experiment with whatever suits your taste or what you have on hand.
4. Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the recipe?
While the cream cheese layer adds a creamy, cheesecake-like texture to the dump cake, if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, you can omit it. Without the cream cheese, the dessert will be more like a traditional dump cake with a primary focus on the fruit and cake layers. Alternatively, for a different twist, you could use a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled ricotta over the fruit layer to add creaminess without the distinct tang of cream cheese.