Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Description:

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity goodness of strawberries. With a simple “dump and bake” method, it’s perfect for those moments when you crave a delicious treat without much effort.

Origin:

Dump cakes are an American dessert, originating as a way to create a cake with minimal preparation. The concept of “dumping” the ingredients into a baking dish and letting the oven do all the work has made it a go-to dessert for busy home bakers.

Ingredients (Serves 8-10):

For the Cake:

• Strawberry pie filling: 1 can (21 oz)
• Cream cheese: 8 oz (softened)
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup
• Yellow cake mix: 1 box (about 15.25 oz)
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick, melted)
• Milk: ¼ cup
• Fresh strawberries: ½ cup (sliced, optional for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream or whipped topping
• Additional fresh strawberries
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Dump Cake

1. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry pie filling, gently spreading it out to cover as much as possible.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cheesecake layer (do not stir).
4. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, covering the surface evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly around the edges.
2. Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Do Not Stir: The beauty of a dump cake is that you don’t mix the ingredients, allowing the layers to bake separately for a perfect texture.
• Add Fresh Strawberries: For extra flavor, mix in some fresh strawberries with the pie filling or use them as a garnish.
• For a Crunchier Top: If you prefer a crispier, more crumbly top, you can sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon or brown sugar over the cake mix before baking.

Recommendations:

• Serving Suggestion: Serve with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of frozen yogurt for a complete dessert experience.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Sugar: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg

This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a crowd-pleasing, hassle-free dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweet tang of strawberries. Enjoy it warm and indulge in every bite!