Ingredients:
- 1 box Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, melted
- 2 cans Strawberry Pie Filling
- 8 oz Whipped Cream Cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Open the cans of strawberry pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Take dollops of whipped cream cheese and distribute them over the strawberry pie filling. You can use a spoon to gently spread them out slightly, but it’s okay if they remain somewhat in dollop form.
- In a separate bowl, pour the vanilla cake mix. Gradually add the melted butter to the cake mix, stirring until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the buttery cake mix crumbles evenly over the cream cheese and strawberry layer.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake!
Note: You can also experiment with adding some chopped nuts or oats to the cake mix crumble for extra texture and flavor. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of cream cheese and strawberry filling according to your preference.
Here are some tips to elevate your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe even further:
- Fresh Strawberries: Consider using fresh strawberries alongside or instead of the canned strawberry pie filling for a burst of fresh flavor and texture. Simply slice the fresh strawberries and layer them over the cream cheese before adding the cake mix crumble.
- Homemade Cake Mix: If you have the time, consider making your own vanilla cake mix from scratch. This can give the cake a more homemade taste and allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier option.
- Enhance the Cream Cheese: Mix a bit of vanilla extract or lemon zest into the whipped cream cheese for added flavor complexity. You can also sweeten it slightly with a tablespoon of powdered sugar if desired.
- Layering Options: Experiment with layering different flavors. For example, you could add a layer of graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla cookies between the cream cheese and strawberry filling for a cheesecake crust-like texture.
- Texture Variation: Add some texture to the cake by incorporating chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) or rolled oats into the cake mix crumble. This will provide a delightful crunchiness to contrast with the soft filling.
- Drizzle or Glaze: After baking, consider drizzling a simple glaze over the top of the cake for added sweetness and presentation. A glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract works well.
- Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream: Instead of or in addition to store-bought whipped cream, whip up some fresh whipped cream using heavy cream and a bit of powdered sugar. The freshness of homemade whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cake.
- Warm Before Serving: For an extra cozy and comforting dessert experience, warm individual servings of the cake in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This brings out the flavors and makes the dessert even more indulgent.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle some additional fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or lemon zest over the top of the cake before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
By incorporating these tips, you can take your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to the next level and create a truly delightful dessert experience!
Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:
- Even Distribution: Ensure that the strawberry pie filling and cream cheese are evenly distributed across the bottom of the baking dish. This ensures that each bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
- Proper Crumble Texture: When mixing the melted butter with the cake mix to create the crumble topping, aim for a texture that resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the crumble to have some texture.
- Prevent Sogginess: To prevent the cake from becoming soggy, avoid pressing down on the crumble topping too firmly when layering it over the cream cheese and strawberry filling. The light, airy texture of the crumble allows it to crisp up nicely while baking.
- Golden Brown Top: Bake the dump cake until the top is golden brown. This ensures that the crumble topping is crisp and adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice into neat servings.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the cream cheese and strawberry pie filling. Fresh strawberries and real cream cheese can make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations. Consider using different types of pie fillings, such as blueberry or cherry, or adding flavor extracts like almond or lemon to the cake mix for a unique twist.
- Serve with Finesse: When serving the dump cake, use a spatula to carefully lift out each portion to maintain the layers intact. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Like any recipe, mastering the perfect dump cake may require some practice. Pay attention to the texture and flavor each time you make it, and adjust accordingly to suit your preferences.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that will impress your family and friends every time!
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe:
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling? Yes, you can definitely use fresh strawberries instead of canned pie filling. Simply slice the fresh strawberries and layer them over the cream cheese before adding the cake mix crumble. You may need to adjust the sweetness level to taste by adding a bit of sugar to the strawberries.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply assemble the layers as instructed in the recipe, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then bake as directed.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the dump cake. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into individual servings or leave it whole if preferred. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix to create variations of the dump cake. For example, you could use a chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor, or a lemon cake mix for a refreshing twist. Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping as a lighter alternative in this recipe. However, keep in mind that using low-fat substitutes may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the final dish.
- What can I serve with the dump cake? This dump cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also make lovely garnishes.
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe, along with their answers to help you navigate the recipe with ease.
