In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Set the mixture aside.
Step 2: Layer the Cake Mix and Strawberry Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Start by spreading the can of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. If you’re using fresh or frozen strawberries for added texture, scatter them on top of the pie filling.
Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Next, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry pie filling. Don’t worry about spreading it evenly; the cheesecake layer will melt into the filling as it bakes, creating a rich, creamy texture.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Do not stir! The cake mix will form a crumbly, golden topping as it bakes. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s spread evenly across the top.
Step 5: Drizzle the Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. This will help create a golden, crispy crust during baking. Make sure the butter covers the dry mix as much as possible.
Step 6: Bake the Dump Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the cake is set. The edges should be crispy, and the center should be bubbly and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake Crumb Topping
While the cake is baking, prepare the cheesecake-like topping by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles a crumbly texture.
Step 8: Finish the Topping
Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the graham cracker crumb topping over the warm cake. This adds a delightful, cheesecake-inspired crunch to the dessert.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the strawberry cheesecake dump cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. It will continue to set as it cools. Serve warm or at room temperature. You can also refrigerate leftovers for a few hours for a chilled option.
For an extra indulgent treat, serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
- Fresh Strawberries: If you prefer fresh strawberries over canned pie filling, slice them and place them in the bottom of the pan with a bit of sugar to release their juices. This will create a fresh, natural strawberry flavor.
- Substitute the Cake Mix: Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes such as yellow, strawberry, or even cheesecake-flavored cake mix for added flavor.
- Add Extra Toppings: For extra flavor and texture, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Chill for Better Texture: Let the dump cake sit for a little while to allow the flavors to meld together for a firmer texture when served.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the epitome of a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dessert. The combination of a sweet, fruity filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and buttery cake topping will melt in your mouth and satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this easy-to-make dessert is bound to be a hit every time.
The best part? It requires very little prep work, making it a great option for busy bakers or beginners. Just mix, dump, and bake for a fantastic treat that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare! Enjoy!