Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With just four main ingredients, this dump cake comes together in minutes, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

• Versatility: While the recipe features strawberries, you can easily substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or cherries to suit your taste.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich, comforting flavors and appealing texture are sure to satisfy a variety of palates, making it a hit at any event.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (540 mL each) strawberry pie filling

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Base: Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.

3. Add the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese. Drop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese over the strawberry filling. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the strawberry filling without fully mixing.

4. Prepare the Cake Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix with the melted butter. Stir until a crumbly mixture forms.

5. Assemble the Cake: Sprinkle the crumbly cake mixture evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese layers in the baking dish.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

7. Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Filling Options: Feel free to substitute the strawberry pie filling with other flavors such as cherry, blueberry, or peach for a different twist.

• Cake Mix Choices: While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with white, vanilla, or even chocolate cake mixes to complement your chosen fruit filling.

• Cheese Layer: For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover dump cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade strawberry pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, you can use homemade strawberry pie filling. Ensure it’s thickened properly to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.

2. Is it necessary to swirl the cream cheese into the strawberry filling?

Swirling the cream cheese creates a marbled effect and blends the flavors. However, if you prefer, you can omit this step and layer the cream cheese directly over the strawberry filling.

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely. White, vanilla, or even chocolate cake mixes can be used to create different flavor profiles.

4. How do I prevent the topping from being dry?

Ensure the melted butter evenly covers the cake mix topping. If some areas remain uncovered, consider drizzling a bit more melted butter over those spots before baking.

5. Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the topping for added crunch and flavor.

6. Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cake a day ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake it the next day as directed.

7. Can I freeze the dump cake?

It’s best to bake the cake first, then freeze individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the topping is golden brown, and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

9. Can I use a different size baking dish?

A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for this recipe. Using a different size may affect the baking time and the thickness of the layers.

10. How should I serve this dessert?

This dump cake is delicious warm or at room temperature. It’s excellent on its own or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a testament to the joy of simple baking. With minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings and cake mixes to make this recipe your own.