Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake: The Perfect No-Fuss Dessert

Introduction

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the epitome of a no-fuss dessert, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a quick and easy sweet treat. With only four simple ingredients, this dessert comes together in just five minutes and bakes to golden perfection in under an hour. The combination of sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy cream cheese, and a buttery cake mix topping makes for an irresistible dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients:

• Strawberry Pie Filling (2 cans, 540mL each): Provides a sweet and tangy base layer full of strawberry flavor.
• Yellow or White Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25oz): Forms the crumbly topping that turns golden and slightly crunchy when baked.
• Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 ounces): Adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the strawberries. You can also use whipped cream cheese for a lighter texture.
• Melted Butter (½ cup): Binds the cake mix into a crumbly dough and adds richness to the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Baking Dish

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready to bake the dump cake evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with a bit of butter. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Assembling the Cake

1. Layer the Pie Filling: Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Add the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese by mixing it with a spoon or a mixer. Drop dollops of the cream cheese over the strawberry pie filling. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the pie filling for a marbled effect.

Preparing the Topping

1. Mix the Cake Mix and Butter: In another medium bowl, combine the cake mix with the melted butter. Use clean hands to mix until a crumbly dough forms. This creates the delicious topping that will bake up golden and slightly crunchy.
2. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crumbly cake mix topping evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese mixture. Ensure the entire surface is covered for even baking.

Baking the Cake

1. Bake: Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when the top is light golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
2. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice of dump cake is the ultimate indulgence. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, sweet cake.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of richness. For a decorative touch, use a piping bag to create a swirl of whipped cream on each slice.
• Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover dump cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to four days. This keeps the cake fresh and prevents it from drying out.
2. Freezing: Although this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
3. Make-Ahead: If you’re preparing this dessert for a gathering, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and bake it just before serving. This ensures it’s warm and fresh for your guests.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake (assuming 10 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 259 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35.9g
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fat: 12.5g
• Saturated Fat: 7.5g
• Cholesterol: 33mg
• Sodium: 56.6mg
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugar: 0.3g

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures the cream cheese is easy to mix and spread over the pie filling.
2. Even Topping Distribution: Make sure the crumbly cake mix topping is evenly distributed over the pie filling to ensure even baking and a consistent texture.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix and butter, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping.

Customization Ideas

1. Different Flavors: Swap out the strawberry pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or apple pie filling to create different flavors of dump cake.
2. Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
3. Coconut Topping: Add shredded coconut to the cake mix topping for a tropical twist.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Enhancing the Flavor

To take your Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake to the next level, consider incorporating these advanced techniques and tips:

1. Zest and Extracts: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese for a fresh citrus flavor. Alternatively, a few drops of almond extract can complement the strawberry flavor beautifully.
2. Homemade Pie Filling: If you have extra time, making your own strawberry pie filling from fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch can enhance the overall taste and make the dessert feel more homemade.
3. Layering: For an extra creamy layer, blend the cream cheese with a little bit of sweetened condensed milk before adding it to the pie filling.

Presentation and Garnishing

1. Elegant Presentation: Serve the dump cake in individual ramekins for a more refined presentation. This makes it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
2. Garnishing: Top each serving with a fresh mint sprig or a slice of lemon to add color and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make the dessert look more elegant.
3. Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the top before serving for an extra layer of decadence.

Pairings

1. Beverages: Pair the dump cake with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of herbal tea. The lightness of these beverages complements the rich and creamy dessert.
2. Side Desserts: Serve alongside a light sorbet or a fruit salad to balance the richness of the cake.

Customization and Variations

1. Different Fillings: Try using different pie fillings such as cherry, blueberry, or apple to change the flavor profile of the cake.
2. Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans over the cake mix before baking for added texture and flavor.
3. Coconut Layer: Mix shredded coconut into the cake mix topping for a tropical twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Soggy Bottom: If your cake turns out soggy, it might be due to excess liquid from the pie filling. Ensure the filling is evenly spread and not too runny. You can also try baking the cake at a slightly higher temperature for the first 10 minutes to help set the filling.
2. Dry Topping: If the topping is too dry, you might not have mixed the butter and cake mix thoroughly. Ensure the cake mix is fully moistened with butter before sprinkling it over the filling.
3. Uneven Cooking: If the cake bakes unevenly, make sure your oven is properly calibrated. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Making the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Ingredients: Combine 1 ¼ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup melted butter.
2. Preparation: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to set the crust.

Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling

1. Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
2. Strawberry Layer: Combine the homemade or canned strawberry pie filling with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken if necessary.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an incredibly easy and versatile dessert that can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s a go-to recipe for busy bakers and novice cooks alike. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and a buttery cake topping creates a delightful dessert that is sure to impress.

Whether you’re preparing for a large family gathering or a casual potluck, this dessert is sure to be a hit. By following these detailed instructions and tips, you can create a dessert that not only tastes delicious but also looks impressive. So the next time you need a quick and easy dessert, give this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake a try. Your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!