Ah, dessert! Just saying the word can make your taste buds tingle with anticipation. One dessert that perfectly encapsulates simplicity and deliciousness is the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Picture this: a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake mingled with sweet, ripe strawberries, all topped with a buttery, crumbly cake. The result? A cascade of flavors and textures that will leave you and your loved ones reaching for seconds. This delightful dessert is particularly popular for family gatherings. If you’ve ever tried a traditional baked cheesecake, you know it can be quite a task! But with this dump cake version, you can achieve a similar taste experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
Much like my previous blog post on the Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake, this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is designed for those who want something delicious but don’t want to compromise their time, sanity, or ability to enjoy dessert! It’s the perfect way to indulge in a sweet moment with family, while keeping things easy and approachable.
What is Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (Easy One-Pan Dessert)?
So, what’s a “dump cake,” anyway? It’s not as peculiar as it sounds! You’ll love how this recipe beautifully combines everything into one pan – making cleanup a breeze and leaving more time for family fun. The name comes from the method itself: you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let your oven do the rest. With a creamy texture reminiscent of classic cheesecake and a strawberry topping that screams freshness, this dish is sure to make anyone feel at home. After all, isn’t it true that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself on a cozy winter evening, give this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a try!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (Easy One-Pan Dessert)
First and foremost, the appeal of the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake lies in its delightful blend of flavors. The creaminess of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries and the sweet, tender cake that encases it all. This dessert also stands out for its cost-saving benefits; making it at home is much more economical than buying an extravagant dessert from the store. And let’s be honest – there’s nothing quite like the pride of creating something delicious in your own kitchen!
Imagine serving this strawberry sensation at your next family gathering. As your guests dive in, you’ll likely hear oohs and aahs in appreciation! The only thing to pair it with would be a dollop of whipped cream or perhaps a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch. Make sure to give this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a spot in your dessert lineup, and watch the smiles spread across everyone’s faces.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (Easy One-Pan Dessert)
Quick Overview
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. All you have to do is layer the ingredients in one pan and allow it to bake until the top is golden brown and bubbling. It’s an effortlessly satisfying combination of textures: rich cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and a soft cake layer that ties it all together. With about 15 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes of baking, you’ll have a lovely dessert ready to impress your family!
Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (Easy One-Pan Dessert)
- Strawberries: 2 cups, diced (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, divided
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Cake Mix: 1 box (about 15.25 ounces, vanilla or white cake mix)
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, melted
- Milk: 1 cup (whole milk recommended)
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, or nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, mix the diced strawberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Let them sit while you prepare the rest of the cake; this helps to release their juices.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining ¾ cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pour the cream cheese mixture first. Then, evenly distribute the sugared strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry-layered cheesecake. Do not mix; just let it sit on top.
- Melt the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This will create a deliciously crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. You can also top it with whipped cream or slices of fresh strawberries if desired.
Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake (Easy One-Pan Dessert)
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist!
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your cake in the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: To prevent a soggy base, ensure that the strawberries are thoroughly drained if using frozen ones.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, taking care not to dry it out.
Give this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake a try at your next family gathering or cozy evening in. Enjoy the delightful layers of flavor with loved ones and make sweet memories!
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar, divided Use ¼ cup for strawberries and ¾ cup for cream cheese layer
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 large Eggs
For the Cake
- 1 box Vanilla or White Cake Mix (about 15.25 ounces)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Whole Milk Recommended for best flavor
For the Fruit
- 2 cups Strawberries, diced (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, or nuts For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, mix the diced strawberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the cake.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Layering and Baking
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pour the cream cheese mixture first, then evenly distribute the sugared strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry-layered cheesecake. Do not mix; just let it sit on top.
- Melt the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream or slices of fresh strawberries, if desired.
Leave a Reply