Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake (4 Ingredients)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an incredibly simple and delicious dessert that requires minimal ingredients and effort to prepare. With just four easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a decadent cake that’s both creamy and fruity, with a golden, buttery top. The beauty of this dump cake lies in its straightforward preparation – all you have to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. The result is a warm, comforting dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness from the strawberry pie filling, richness from the cream cheese, and a tender cake topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a quick homemade treat, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate convenience dessert. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cream cheese and strawberry pie filling creates a luscious, indulgent filling that complements the fluffy, slightly crispy cake topping perfectly. The melt-in-your-mouth butter enhances the overall richness, while the cake mix simplifies the process, eliminating the need for measuring flour, sugar, and other ingredients. Plus, the cake bakes quickly, making it an excellent option when you’re short on time but want something homemade. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Strawberry pie filling (2 cans)
• Yellow or white cake mix (1 box)
• Cream cheese (8 oz package or 227g tub whipped cream cheese)
• Melted butter (1/2 cup)

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Swap the strawberry pie filling for other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry, cherry, or peach. Each variation will give the dump cake a unique twist.
• Topping Variations: Add crushed nuts like almonds or pecans on top of the cake before baking for added crunch. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or a little brown sugar over the top for extra flavor.
• Add-Ins: Mix in some chopped fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, into the cake batter before baking for extra texture and freshness.
• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute, such as coconut oil or margarine, to make this dump cake vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

If using a block of cream cheese, soften it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Cut it into small cubes and scatter them over the strawberry pie filling. If using whipped cream cheese, simply spread it evenly over the filling.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface. Do not mix the cake mix into the filling; the dry mix will form the cake topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Pour the Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This will create a golden, crispy crust on top as the cake bakes.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm, and it pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Distribution: For the best results, make sure the cake mix is evenly spread over the cream cheese to ensure a uniform topping as it bakes.
• Butter Tips: Don’t skip the melted butter, as it helps to create the cake’s crispy, golden crust. Pour it evenly to get that perfect topping.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softening the cream cheese before adding it helps it melt into the strawberry pie filling, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Don’t Stir: It’s important not to stir the ingredients after you’ve added the cake mix. The “dumping” method allows the cake mix to bake into a soft, crumbly topping.

How to Serve

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake can be served warm, straight out of the oven, or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor. For an elegant touch, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

This cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover dump cake, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds, depending on your microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

Yes, you can use any flavor of pie filling, such as blueberry, cherry, or peach, to make a different variation of the dump cake.

2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

You can use any flavor of cake mix, but yellow or white cake mixes work best to complement the strawberry filling. Chocolate cake mix also makes an interesting variation.

3. Do I need to mix the ingredients?

No, the beauty of a dump cake is that you simply layer the ingredients without mixing. The cake mix will form the topping as it bakes.

4. Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of block cream cheese?

Yes, whipped cream cheese works just as well in this recipe. Simply spread it evenly over the pie filling.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, although the flavor may be slightly different. Both options will create a deliciously crisp topping.

6. How do I know when the dump cake is done?

The dump cake is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up around the edges. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the center to see if it comes out clean.

7. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix to make a gluten-free version of this dessert.

8. Can I add fresh fruit to the cake?

Fresh fruit can be added on top of the pie filling for extra flavor. However, be mindful of the moisture content, as it could affect the cake’s texture.

9. Is this dessert very sweet?

Yes, this dump cake is sweet due to the combination of pie filling, cake mix, and butter. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of butter or try a less sugary pie filling.

10. Can I make this cake in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can use a different-sized pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. A larger pan may require less baking time, while a smaller pan may need more time to cook through.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple yet irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just four ingredients, it’s quick to prepare, requires minimal effort, and produces a deliciously comforting treat. The combination of creamy cream cheese, fruity strawberry pie filling, and a buttery, golden cake topping creates a decadent dessert that everyone will love. Whether served warm with ice cream or on its own, this cake is sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.

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