Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries. This treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a casual weeknight dessert, or a special holiday celebration. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and requires very little hands-on effort, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for bakers of all skill levels.
Dump cakes, in general, have become a popular trend because of their ease of preparation. Instead of mixing all the ingredients meticulously like traditional cakes, you simply “dump” everything into a baking pan, and let the oven work its magic. The result is a beautifully baked cake with a slightly crispy top and gooey, flavorful filling underneath. When combined with strawberries and cream cheese, you get a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but you really didn’t!
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature to bake the cake.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan as it bakes and helps with easy removal once it’s done.
- Layer the Strawberry Filling: Open the can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly along the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will serve as the fruity base for your dump cake.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step will create the cheesecake filling that will give the cake its rich and tangy flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry filling, spreading it out gently with a spatula. You don’t need to cover every single inch perfectly; just spread it evenly as best as you can.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer. Be sure to cover the surface with the cake mix as evenly as possible. You might see some gaps—that’s okay! The cake mix will spread out as it bakes.
- Pour Over the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This helps the cake top turn golden brown and crisp as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the cake toward the end of the baking time.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cake is delicious when served warm. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
History of Dump Cakes
Dump cakes have a fascinating history, originating in the United States in the 1970s. The dessert became popular because it was quick, easy, and required minimal ingredients. It was especially loved for its simple, no-fuss approach to cake baking. People enjoyed the fact that dump cakes could be made with just a few pantry ingredients—such as cake mix, fruit, and butter—creating a rich, flavorful dessert without the need for special baking skills.
Dump cakes have evolved since their inception, with variations that include different types of fruits (such as cherries or peaches) and even different cake mixes (like chocolate or spice cake). The recipe we’re focusing on today incorporates the beloved combination of strawberries and cheesecake, which adds a creamy richness to the traditionally crunchy texture of a dump cake.
Formation of the Cake
The structure of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is deceptively simple but yields a delightful combination of textures. The bottom layer, made from the strawberry pie filling, is rich and fruity, offering a slightly sweet and tart flavor. The cheesecake filling adds a smooth and creamy layer, which contrasts beautifully with the crumbly cake topping that forms during the baking process.
As the cake bakes, the butter combines with the cake mix, creating a crisp, golden top that contrasts with the soft and gooey layers below. The result is a cake that has both a satisfying crunch and a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lovers of the Dessert
This dessert is loved by many due to its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It appeals to people who love both fruity and creamy desserts, and it’s particularly ideal for those who may not have the time or inclination to bake from scratch. It’s a favorite for casual gatherings, potlucks, or as a treat to enjoy with family after dinner.
Lovers of dump cakes also appreciate how customizable they are. You can substitute different fruit fillings or cake mixes depending on your preference. For instance, you could try a blueberry or cherry pie filling instead of strawberry or use a spice cake mix to add a different layer of flavor. This makes the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake perfect for anyone who loves to get creative in the kitchen without making the process overly complicated.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an amazing dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: the tangy creaminess of cheesecake and the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries. It’s quick to make, requires minimal effort, and is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this dump cake is a sure way to impress your friends and family with a delicious dessert.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. No need for fancy techniques or complicated ingredients—just some easy-to-follow steps and a few pantry staples. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, consider giving this easy and delectable dessert a try. It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion!