Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with Buttery Crumble Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you want to add extra texture, consider sprinkling a handful of sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the cake mix before baking.

This adds a delightful nuttiness that complements the strawberry and cream cheese perfectly, providing a sophisticated crunch that elevates the simple dump cake into a more complex dessert for special occasions.

For a vibrant presentation, serve the warm cake with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The temperature contrast between the hot, bubbly fruit and the cold, melting ice cream creates an exceptional sensory experience.

You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a pop of color and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Variations

• Mixed Berry Version: Replace the strawberries with an equal amount of mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The varied acidity and sweetness levels of different berries provide a more complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
• Spiced Apple Variation: Substitute the strawberries with peeled, thinly sliced apples tossed in cinnamon. The combination of warm, spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery yellow cake topping creates a comforting, autumnal dessert that is perfect for cooler weather.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as it significantly alters the texture of the cream cheese and the crispness of the cake topping.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for 30-60 seconds for a softer crust.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain the texture of the crumble. If left out, the topping will quickly lose its crispness due to the moisture in the fruit filling.

Keep the dish in the refrigerator for up to three days, and always ensure it is completely cooled before covering it to prevent condensation from turning the crust soggy.

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the strawberry and cream cheese layers a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. Do not add the dry cake mix until just before you are ready to bake, as the moisture from the fruit will cause the dry mix to clump and lose its ability to create a crisp, golden crust.

Serving ideas

Serve the cake warm, ideally scooped directly from the baking dish to showcase the beautiful layers of fruit, cheese, and cake.

Using a large serving spoon allows you to capture a bit of everything in one motion, ensuring each guest receives a balanced portion of the bubbling strawberry base and the buttery, golden topping that defines this classic dessert.

For a more formal presentation, you can portion the cake into individual bowls or plates. Be gentle when scooping to keep the layers intact. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side can add a nice finishing touch, balancing the intensity of the baked fruit and the richness of the cream cheese filling perfectly for your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with Buttery Crumble

Prep 10 minCook 45 minRest 10 minTotal 1 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 24 oz frozen or fresh strawberries
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 box yellow cake mix

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the strawberries across the bottom. If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are slightly thawed to prevent excess liquid buildup during the baking process.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer, using a spatula to spread it gently without disturbing the fruit underneath.
3. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

50 g

Fat

18 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.