Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Category: Sweet Endings

Layers of sweet strawberry filling, smooth cheesecake, and a buttery cake mix topping meld into a dessert that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Quick to assemble and full of contrasting textures, this easy-bake delight shines at potlucks or cozy gatherings. Enjoy chilled for refreshing summer bites or straight from the oven for warm, gooey indulgence. Finished with whipped topping and fresh strawberries, the cake delivers balanced sweetness and creamy, fruity richness in every forkful—plus, its minimal effort means more time savoring with family and friends.

Sweet by Emma official logo
Updated on Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:57:57 GMT
A slice of cake with strawberries on top. Save
A slice of cake with strawberries on top. | sweetbyemma.com

This easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is my go-to dessert for potlucks and family gatherings. With just a few simple steps and barely any prep, you get the best of both worlds featuring the creaminess of cheesecake, the brightness of strawberries, and the buttery crunch of a classic dump cake. Whenever I serve this at parties, not a crumb goes to waste

The first time I made this was for a summer barbecue. It was gone within minutes and everyone asked for the recipe. I now make it for birthdays and holidays and people always want seconds

Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix: adds a fluffy buttery top that gets beautifully golden in the oven Use a high-quality mix for the best results
  • Unsalted butter: brings rich flavor and helps crisp up the cake layer Choose a fresh stick and melt it gently for even coverage
  • Strawberry pie filling: creates a sweet tangy base bursting with berry flavor Look for ones with whole strawberries for better texture
  • Cream cheese: gives the middle a creamy cheesecake layer Take it out of the fridge in advance for easy mixing
  • Granulated sugar: sweetens the cheesecake component Check that it is fine and fresh so it blends smoothly
  • Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely aroma Go for pure extract for best taste
  • Whipped topping: makes a light creamy finish Use real whipped topping rather than a substitute for the fluffiest topping
  • Fresh strawberries: optional but they make a beautiful juicy garnish Choose bright red berries without bruises
  • Powdered sugar: optional for dusting on top for that bakery-style finish Sift before sprinkling for even coverage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the cake releases easily after baking
Mix the Cheesecake Layer:
In a medium bowl blend softened cream cheese granulated sugar and vanilla extract until you have a smooth creamy mixture with no lumps
Layer the Strawberry Base:
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of your prepared dish Spread it out to cover the whole surface for an even fruity base
Add the Cheesecake Layer:
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling Gently spread it edge to edge creating a thick creamy layer over the berries
Top with Cake Mix:
Sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer Use your hands or a spoon for an even distribution
Add the Butter:
Slowly drizzle the melted butter all across the surface of the dry cake mix Try to cover as much as possible for a golden crispy topping
Bake the Cake:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for forty to forty five minutes The top should be golden brown and bubbling around the edges
Cool and Set:
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least thirty minutes so the layers can firm up For cleaner slices you can even chill it in the fridge
Add Toppings and Serve:
Spread whipped topping evenly on the cooled cake Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature
A slice of cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Save
A slice of cake with strawberries and whipped cream. | sweetbyemma.com

Strawberries have always been my favorite fruit and layering them with creamy cheesecake feels just a little indulgent Every time I pull this from the oven my kitchen smells like summertime and happy memories

Storage Tips

This dump cake keeps well covered tightly in the fridge for up to four days I find the flavors only get better overnight For longer storage freeze individual slices in airtight containers and thaw as needed for a quick treat

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using cherry or blueberry pie filling in place of the strawberry for a tasty twist If you do not have whipped topping you can whip up one cup of heavy cream with a spoonful of sugar until soft peaks form Mascarpone cheese is a great swap for cream cheese if you want a richer flavor

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this cake chilled for summer picnics or lightly warmed in the winter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream It also makes a pretty centerpiece at brunch with a mix of fresh berries on top

Cultural Note

Dump cakes first took off in American kitchens in the mid twentieth century as they made homemade desserts accessible for busy families The combination of convenience and comfort food flavors is why recipes like this have never gone out of style

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

For the best results and consistent texture, stick with strawberry pie filling. Fresh berries won’t offer the same syrupy consistency or flavor intensity, but you can add fresh strawberries as a garnish for a burst of freshness.

→ Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?

Yes, softened cream cheese blends smoothly with sugar and vanilla. Cold cream cheese can be lumpy, so let it sit at room temperature before mixing for the creamiest results.

→ How do I get a crispier cake topping?

Ensure the melted butter is evenly drizzled over the dry cake mix. For extra crunch, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top before baking, and bake until golden and bubbling.

→ Can I serve this dessert chilled?

Absolutely! Chill the cake after baking for more defined layers and a refreshing summer treat, or serve warm for a softer, gooier bite.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days. The cake tastes great cold, and a quick reheat will restore its freshly baked warmth if you prefer.

→ Can I use other pie fillings?

Yes, cherry or blueberry pie filling makes delicious alternatives. Adjust toppings and garnishes to match the flavor you choose.

Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Creamy cheesecake meets tangy strawberries and buttery cake mix for an effortless showstopping dessert.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Emma

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 box yellow cake mix
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
04 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
05 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

→ Garnish and Optional Additions

08 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or whole
09 Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 03

Spread strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 04

Spoon and gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer.

Step 05

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly on top.

Step 06

Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.

Step 07

Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 08

Let cool for 30 minutes. Chill for firmer layers if desired. Top with whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Chill the cake for firmer layers and serve it cold for a refreshing summer dessert.
  2. Top with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar for an elevated garnish.

Tools Required

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, whipped topping, butter)
  • May contain gluten (cake mix)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are provided as a guide and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 4 g