Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a wonderfully easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that screams summer, look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Loaded with sweet strawberry flavor, creamy pockets of cheesecake, and a dreamy buttery crunch, this treat comes together with the simplest pantry ingredients and delivers instant joy in every fluffy, jammy bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just discovering the magic of “dump” cakes, this recipe is about to become your go-to for potlucks, birthdays, or any time you crave a warm, nostalgic dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup is proof that fabulous desserts don’t require a long shopping list. Each ingredient plays a delicious role: from building layers of juicy fruit to adding creamy richness, punchy strawberry notes, and pops of chocolate, every element brings color and flavor to your Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

• Strawberry cake mix: Delivers an ultra-strawberry flavor and gorgeous blush-pink crumb with zero effort.
• Strawberry pie filling: Adds sweet, jammy fruitiness and a syrupy sauce base that keeps every square moist and luscious.
• Cream cheese: Cubed and dotted throughout for creamy, tangy pockets of richness that mimic classic cheesecake bites.
• Unsalted butter: Melted then drizzled over the top, it creates that decadent golden crust you’ll swoon over.
• Vanilla extract: A splash boosts the overall aroma and rounds out the berry and dairy flavors.
• White chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkle these over the top for creamy sweetness and melty texture—they melt into tiny gooey nuggets in every forkful!
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving): The essential finishing touch—cold, creamy, and impossibly dreamy alongside a warm slice of cake.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the sweet spot for golden, bubbly layers. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps everything release cleanly while also creating those crave-worthy caramelized edges.

Step 2: Layer the Strawberry Pie Filling

Open up those glorious cans of strawberry pie filling and spread them evenly onto the bottom of the prepared dish. This fruity base turns bubbly and fragrant as it bakes, setting the stage for every magical bite of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

Step 3: Dot with Cream Cheese and Vanilla

Scatter the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the filling, followed by drizzling a teaspoon of vanilla across the top. The cream cheese will melt into pockets of cheesecake-style tang, and the vanilla brings an irresistible warmth.

Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix

Next, take your dry strawberry cake mix and shake or spoon it evenly over everything. Be gentle here—don’t stir! Letting it sit on top creates that signature “crumble” effect as it bakes.

Step 5: Add Butter and White Chocolate Chips

Slowly drizzle your melted unsalted butter across the entire surface, trying to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible. If you want extra decadence, now’s the time to scatter on those white chocolate chips for surprise bursts of sweetness.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Serve Warm

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown, the filling is bubbly, and your kitchen smells like strawberry heaven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes—then scoop, top with whipped cream or ice cream, and dive right in!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Garnishes

Freshness and color make every serving a showstopper! Add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a scattering of fresh strawberry slices for an irresistible presentation. Dust with powdered sugar for a dainty finish or sprinkle extra white chocolate chips right before serving for playful bites.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines as the star of the table, but it also pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or simple glasses of lemonade in summer. If you’re serving after a rich, savory meal, a cup of strong coffee or cold milk balances every sweet, creamy forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

The playful layers of a Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake make it perfect for casual family gatherings and special occasions alike. Spoon portions into individual mason jars for picnic-ready treats, or bake mini versions in ramekins for personalized desserts at dinner parties. You can even layer with extra berries and cream for a trifle-style display at brunch or baby showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any leftovers, simply cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens as it sits, and the creamy, fruity texture stays addictive—just waiting for another midnight spoonful!

Freezing

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake also freezes beautifully. Cut cooled cake into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Add your favorite topping and enjoy like it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other pie fillings besides strawberry?

Absolutely! While strawberry is the star here, cherry or blueberry pie filling works beautifully with this dump cake method, or mix them for a fun berry medley.

What if I only have yellow cake mix?

No problem—yellow cake mix will create a simple, buttery topping that still tastes amazing. Just expect a subtler strawberry note in the crumb. You can even add a few drops of pink food coloring or a teaspoon of strawberry extract for more strawberry flair.

Does the cream cheese have to be softened or can I use it cold?

You can use cream cheese straight from the fridge; just cube it up so it melts evenly throughout the cake. Softened cream cheese may blend more, while cold cubes create distinct pockets of creamy goodness.

Can Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla or strawberry cake mix. Make sure your pie filling and white chocolate chips are also labeled gluten-free, and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly treat.

How do I know when my dump cake is done?

The top should look golden, crisp in spots, and you’ll see strawberry filling bubbling along the edges. Give it a gentle jiggle—if the topping is set, it’s ready. Some soft spots are normal, just avoid a dry, over-baked topping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking up a Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake—simple steps, pantry ingredients, and that glorious combination of berries, cheesecake, and cake. If you haven’t tried it before, give it a go! This is the kind of dessert that inspires smiles and second helpings, perfect for sharing and turning any ordinary moment into a celebration.