What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make, requiring minimal prep time and simple layering instead of traditional mixing. It involves “dumping” ingredients directly into a baking dish — typically canned fruit, cake mix, and butter — and baking until golden. Unlike classic cakes, there’s no need for a mixer or batter preparation, making this style perfect for beginners and busy home bakers alike.
Originating in the mid-20th century, dump cakes became popular due to their convenience and delicious results. They’re often compared to cobblers but differ in texture and structure. You can read more about the history and variations of dump cakes on Wikipedia.
Why Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a Must-Try
The strawberry pie filling cheesecake dump cake is a delicious fusion of three classic desserts: strawberry pie, cheesecake, and dump cake. This combination creates a rich, fruity, and creamy dessert with a tender, buttery top. It’s the kind of dessert that’s indulgent enough for celebrations, yet easy enough for weekday cravings.
What sets this version apart is its cheesecake component. By adding softened cream cheese into the mix, you get a luxurious, velvety bite in every spoonful. Plus, using strawberry pie filling adds that iconic tangy-sweet flavor, making it feel like a homemade strawberry cheesecake — without all the work. For more on what makes this dish unique, explore the basics of cheesecake and its origins.
Internal link: If you’re interested in other crowd-pleasing desserts, check out our easy chocolate chip cookie cake or blueberry cobbler dump cake recipe to build your recipe collection.
Flavor Profile Overview
This dessert delivers a blend of sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite. Here’s what you can expect:
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Top layer: Golden, crisp, and buttery from the vanilla cake mix and melted butter
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Middle layer: Swirled cream cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy note
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Bottom layer: Juicy strawberry pie filling provides a burst of fruit flavor
The optional garnish of fresh strawberries gives a bright, juicy contrast and elevates presentation. For more inspiration, browse strawberry dessert recipes on Pinterest here.
This cake is versatile, foolproof, and can be adapted with different fruits or toppings to suit your preferences — a true go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients Breakdown and Variations
Essential Ingredients
The beauty of a strawberry pie filling cheesecake dump cake lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating that rich, layered texture and flavor profile. Below are the core components you’ll need:
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Strawberry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz)
This is the star of the dessert. It provides the fruity base that becomes gooey and flavorful as it bakes. You can use store-bought or homemade. For a deeper dive into strawberries’ health benefits and characteristics, visit Strawberry – Wikipedia. -
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
This adds the cheesecake element. Use full-fat for the creamiest texture. It’s best to let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before using so it spreads and swirls easily. -
Vanilla Cake Mix (1 box)
This is the topping layer. When baked with butter, it becomes slightly crisp and golden. You can substitute with white or yellow cake mix for subtle flavor variations. For creative cake mix ideas, explore this vanilla cake mix collection on Pinterest. -
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted)
Butter is drizzled on top of the cake mix to moisten and help it bake into a rich, crumbly crust. If using salted butter, reduce added salt elsewhere. -
Fresh Strawberries (optional garnish)
While optional, fresh strawberries add a pop of color and natural texture. They also emphasize the strawberry-forward theme of the dessert.
If you’re seeking more ideas to explore fruit-based cakes, our peach cobbler with cake mix guide is a perfect companion recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions and Add-ins
This recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for healthier choices, enhanced flavors, or additional textures, here are some tried-and-true alternatives:
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Homemade Strawberry Filling
Replace canned filling with a mixture of fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. This gives you more control over sweetness and texture. Find techniques on making fruit fillings in Cake – Wikipedia. -
Low-Fat or Whipped Cream Cheese
For a lighter version, opt for whipped cream cheese. It mixes easier and maintains the creamy profile. -
Graham Cracker Crumbs or Cookie Crust
Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or vanilla cookies between the pie filling and cream cheese for extra crunch and cheesecake flavor. -
Flavor Enhancers
A touch of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest can bring a bright lift to the overall taste. These are especially effective if you’re making a homemade pie filling. -
Other Pie Fillings
Substitute cherry, blueberry, or peach pie filling for variety. Check out more flavor ideas via easy summer cakes on Pinterest for seasonal inspiration.
Looking for more desserts that use pantry staples? Try our pineapple angel food dump cake or cherry cheesecake bars — both are great ways to switch up your sweet routine.
By mixing and matching these ingredients and variations, you can make a personalized version of this classic dump cake that suits every taste and dietary need.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Preparation
Before assembling your strawberry pie filling cheesecake dump cake, it’s crucial to prepare your ingredients and baking environment correctly to ensure a seamless process and consistent results. Here’s what to do first:
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential for even baking from the moment the dish goes in.
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Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and allows easy serving later.
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Soften the Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out for 30–45 minutes. This ensures it’s easy to dollop and swirl.
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Melt the Butter: Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt butter in 15-second intervals until fully liquefied.
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Optional Prep: Wash and slice fresh strawberries if you’re planning to use them as a garnish.
Once your prep is complete, you’re ready to begin layering your cake. For those curious about the science behind butter’s effect on baking, Butter – Wikipedia provides an insightful breakdown.
Layering the Dump Cake
This is where the magic happens. Each layer contributes to the dessert’s signature texture — gooey, creamy, and golden.
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Spread Strawberry Pie Filling: Pour the entire can into your greased baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
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Add Dollops of Cream Cheese: Use a spoon to drop softened cream cheese over the pie filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect — the rustic texture is part of the charm.
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Swirl Lightly: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the filling. Don’t overmix — you want visible streaks for that cheesecake ripple effect.
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Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly distribute the vanilla cake mix over the top. Important: Do not stir or press it down.
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Drizzle Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the dry surface as possible. This is key to achieving a golden, crispy crust.
Need visual ideas? Browse cheesecake dump cake recipes on Pinterest to see how others layer their cakes for both flavor and appearance.
For more dessert layering techniques, check out our layered chocolate pudding dessert recipe for a rich, no-bake treat.

Baking Time and Tips
Once the cake is layered, it’s time to bake it to perfection. The baking process transforms the dry cake mix and melted butter into a crisp, golden topping while the filling bubbles underneath, creating that signature dump cake texture.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and you’ll see the strawberry filling bubbling around the edges.
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Check for Even Browning: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the dish halfway through baking. This helps avoid burnt edges and ensures even cooking throughout.
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No Toothpick Test: Unlike traditional cakes, dump cakes don’t pass the toothpick test. Instead, focus on visual cues—bubbly filling, golden topping, and slightly firm center.
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Cover if Needed: If the top is browning too quickly before the filling is fully heated, loosely cover it with foil for the final 10 minutes.
For guidance on baking fundamentals and cake structure, refer to Cake – Wikipedia to better understand how ingredients interact during the baking process.
Also, if you love easy, one-pan baking methods, you’ll enjoy our apple cinnamon crisp with cake mix—a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall.
Cooling and Serving Tips
Once baked, the cake needs a short resting period before serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve clean slices.
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Cool for 15–20 minutes: Let the cake sit at room temperature after baking. This allows the hot fruit filling to thicken slightly, improving both texture and flavor.
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Serve Warm or Chilled: It’s delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold from the fridge for a firmer cheesecake feel.
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Top Creatively: Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate presentation and taste.
For a twist on toppings and pairing ideas, get inspired by strawberry cheesecake dessert ideas on Pinterest, or check out our homemade whipped topping guide for quick garnish options.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll get a perfectly layered, gooey yet crisp, strawberry cheesecake dump cake every time.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
Texture and Taste Tips
Getting the texture just right is key to an irresistible strawberry pie filling cheesecake dump cake. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure every bite is delicious:
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Avoid Dry Cake Mix Patches: Make sure the melted butter is distributed evenly. Any dry spots can stay powdery even after baking. If needed, add a few spoonfuls of milk over particularly dry areas before baking.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold cream cheese doesn’t swirl well and can bake into clumps. Let it fully soften before adding.
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Don’t Stir the Layers: The cake works because of its layered structure. Stirring ruins the crisp topping and the creamy center.
Explore more tips for perfect cake texture in this comprehensive guide on dump cake techniques on Wikipedia.
For more pro baking strategies, our ultimate cobbler troubleshooting guide is packed with tips to fix common dessert mistakes.
Storage Tips
Storing your dump cake properly ensures it tastes just as good the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Refrigerate After Cooling: Because of the cream cheese, this cake should be refrigerated after it has cooled completely. Store it in an airtight container.
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Lasts Up to 5 Days: When refrigerated, the cake stays fresh for about five days. You may notice the topping loses some of its crunch, but the flavor remains strong.
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Freezing Option: You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
If you’re making multiple desserts for an event, see our make-ahead dessert tips to streamline prep and storage.
Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips
This dessert is a great candidate for prepping ahead of time. Here’s how to do it:
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Make Ahead: Assemble the layers in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
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Reheating: For a single serving, microwave for 30–45 seconds. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 300°F until warmed through—usually 10–15 minutes.
Want to discover more easy prep options? Visit easy summer cakes on Pinterest for inspiration on seasonal, low-effort desserts.
Creative Variations and Toppings
Flavor Variations
This recipe is extremely flexible. If you’re craving different flavors or want to use what you have on hand, try these simple swaps:
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Different Pie Fillings: Swap out strawberry for cherry, peach, or blueberry pie filling. Blueberry and cream cheese pair especially well, creating a tangy-sweet profile.
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Different Cake Mix Flavors: Use lemon, spice, or butter pecan cake mix for seasonal flavor twists.
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Mascarpone or Ricotta Cheese: For a more decadent or Italian-inspired version, replace cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta. These lend a creamier, smoother texture.
Want more ideas like this? Browse cheesecake dump cake recipes on Pinterest to explore even more combinations.
Our lemon blueberry cheesecake bars offer a citrusy alternative to the strawberry version.
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
The right toppings can enhance your dump cake’s appearance and flavor. Here are the best ways to serve and garnish it:
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Whipped Cream: A dollop on top adds lightness and makes it look finished.
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Ice Cream: Vanilla, strawberry swirl, or even cheesecake ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm fruit.
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Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds elegance with minimal effort.
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle on top before baking or right before serving to play up the cheesecake theme.
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Chopped Nuts: Add chopped pecans or almonds for a bit of crunch and contrast.
Discover more topping ideas on strawberry cheesecake dessert pins to see how others finish their dump cakes.
If you love layered textures, our s’mores cake mix bars combine crunch, chocolate, and creaminess in a similar format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but fresh strawberries alone won’t give the gooey, syrupy base that canned filling provides. If using fresh, cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first to mimic the consistency of pie filling. Check out how strawberries work in baking by visiting Strawberry – Wikipedia.
Why is my dump cake dry on top?
Dry patches usually happen when the butter doesn’t fully cover the cake mix. Ensure even butter distribution and consider adding a few extra spoonfuls of melted butter or milk if necessary.
For more troubleshooting advice, see our baking fails and fixes guide.
Can I make dump cake in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. In a slow cooker, layer as usual and cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours. The texture will be softer, more like a cobbler. In an Instant Pot, use the bake setting if available, and cover the top loosely with foil to reduce moisture retention.
Do I need to refrigerate dump cake after baking?
Yes, especially since this recipe includes cream cheese. Once the cake has cooled, refrigerate it in an airtight container. It’s safe for up to 5 days.
Explore how cream-based desserts are stored properly by visiting Cheesecake – Wikipedia.
What’s the best way to serve this dump cake at a party?
Serve warm in a dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a fresh strawberry on top for presentation. You can also prepare it in individual ramekins for a more upscale party vibe.
Need more hosting tips? Check out our dessert bar setup guide for creative ways to serve dump cakes and more.
Is dump cake supposed to be gooey?
Yes! The filling should be gooey and slightly molten under the crisp topping. That contrast is what makes dump cakes so irresistible. It’s not undercooked — it’s the desired texture.
PrintEasy Strawberry Pie Filling Cheesecake Dump Cake Guide
- Author: Clara
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese over the pie filling. Use a knife or spatula to swirl it slightly into the strawberries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top—do not mix it in.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
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Be sure to swirl the cream cheese gently — don’t overmix.
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Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
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If cake mix remains dry in spots, lightly spray or drizzle extra butter/milk before or during baking.
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To cut sweetness, choose unsweetened pie filling or make your own.
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Garnish with fresh strawberries for color and freshness.
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This recipe can be doubled and baked in a large roasting pan for a crowd