Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those craving a delightful combination of sweet strawberry and creamy cheesecake flavors, all with minimal effort. This easy recipe requires no mixer, no precise measurements, and very little cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The result is a moist, delicious cake with a delightful crumble topping and a luscious cheesecake swirl throughout. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress, even though it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Get ready to experience the magic of a dump cake – a dessert that lives up to its name in terms of ease, yet delivers on flavor in a big way.
Recipe: A brief description of the recipe
This recipe transforms a simple yellow cake mix into a decadent strawberry cheesecake dump cake. The cake mix is combined with melted butter and an egg to create a moist and crumbly base. A layer of luscious strawberry pie filling is added, followed by a creamy cheesecake mixture made from softened cream cheese, vanilla extract and a touch of sugar (already present in the cake mix). Everything is then baked until golden brown and perfectly set, resulting in a delightful dessert that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients: A detailed list of ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix: Choose your favorite brand. The cake mix provides the base for the cake and contributes to its sweetness.
* 1 (30 ounce) can strawberry pie filling: Look for a quality pie filling with plenty of strawberries. This provides the juicy, sweet strawberry component. Do not use strawberry preserves or jam as they have a different consistency.
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature and easily spreadable. This ensures proper incorporation into the mixture. Leaving it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting will help achieve this.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best flavor. This enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake layer.
* 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted: Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the cake. Melted butter is essential for creating a moist and crumbly cake base.
* 1 large egg: The egg helps bind the cake mix and contributes to its texture.
Directions/Instructions: Step-by-step instructions for preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish. This preparation ensures your cake doesn’t stick to the pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
3. Pour half of the cake mix into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to create an even base layer.
4. Evenly spread the entire 30-ounce can of strawberry pie filling over the cake mix layer.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This can be done easily with a fork or a whisk. You can add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar at this point if you prefer a sweeter cheesecake layer, but it’s not strictly necessary due to the inherent sweetness of the cake mix and pie filling.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry pie filling.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible to create a nice crumble topping.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking at 30 minutes.
9. Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish before serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Cooling also intensifies the flavors.
10. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the recipe
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate or spice cake. However, the flavor combination might change significantly.
Q: Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
A: Yes, you can use homemade strawberry filling, but ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.
Q: What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
A: You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt you might normally add to other recipes to compensate.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The delightful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery crumble topping is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by this simple yet incredibly delicious dessert. Give it a try today and experience the joy of a truly effortless yet impressive treat!