This fun and fruity Easter Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings together sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake flavors in an easy-to-make dessert. Just toss the ingredients together and let the magic happen!
I love how simple this cake is! You can have it ready in no time, and it’s a hit at family gatherings. Plus, who can resist the combination of strawberries and cheesecake? Yum! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow cake mix: This is the backbone of the dump cake. If you prefer homemade, you can mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for a similar result. Gluten-free cake mixes work well if you need a gluten-free option.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the cake its rich filling. If you’re looking for a lower-fat version, light cream cheese or even Greek yogurt can be good substitutes.
Frozen sliced strawberries: These provide great flavor, but fresh strawberries can be used instead—just chop them up. If strawberries aren’t available, feel free to swap with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Strawberry pie filling: This adds a sweet, fruity layer. You can swap it out for any fruit pie filling you enjoy, such as cherry or blueberry, or even make a homemade filling using fresh fruit, sugar, and cornstarch.
How Do You Get the Cream Cheese Mixture Just Right?
Beating the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth is key for a creamy texture. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Microwave it for 10-15 seconds if needed.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for even mixing.
- Don’t skip mixing well; this makes the filling perfectly smooth and delightful.
Easter Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen sliced strawberries, thawed and drained
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool slightly before serving. So, in total, carve out about an hour and a half for kitchen fun and a yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, take your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it to be free of lumps, so don’t rush this part!
3. Layering the Ingredients:
Spread the creamy mixture evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, layer the thawed and drained sliced strawberries over the cream cheese. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for every slice to have fruity goodness!
4. Adding the Strawberry Filling:
Pour the strawberry pie filling over the sliced strawberries, spreading it out smoothly. This layer adds sweetness and moisture, making the cake a real treat.
5. Top It Off:
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the strawberry pie filling. Don’t forget to drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to drench as much of the cake mix as possible for great baking results.
6. Baking:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden brown with the filling bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as every oven is slightly different!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly—about 10-15 minutes. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Top each serving with whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries for a festive touch!
Enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make, festive dessert perfect for Easter or any strawberry lover’s celebration!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! You can use fresh strawberries instead of frozen. Just make sure to slice them and adjust the amount to match the 20 oz needed in the recipe. There’s no need to thaw them in that case!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or enjoy them cold with some whipped cream on top!
What if I Don’t Have Yellow Cake Mix?
If you don’t have yellow cake mix on hand, you can use white cake mix or even a homemade mixture. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will yield a similar taste and texture!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the yellow cake mix. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs!
