Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake and the fruity freshness of strawberries in a convenient and easy-to-make format. This cake requires minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple family dessert night. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, where you can achieve a stunningly delicious dessert with just a few key ingredients. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this dump cake will impress everyone with its delicious taste and appealing presentation.
The History of
Dump cakes have a unique place in dessert history, gaining popularity in the 1980s when home bakers sought quick and easy dessert solutions. The concept revolves around layering ingredients in a baking dish without the need for extensive mixing or preparation, allowing for a fuss-free baking experience. The combination of fruits, cake mix, and butter creates a delightful texture and flavor that has made dump cakes a beloved staple in many households. Strawberry cheesecake dump cake adds a twist to the traditional recipe, incorporating the creamy and tangy flavors of cheesecake, making it a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create a mouthwatering Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, you will need the following ingredients: fresh or frozen strawberries, cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, a box of vanilla or strawberry cake mix, and unsalted butter. The strawberries provide a sweet and juicy base, while the cream cheese contributes a rich, creamy texture that mimics traditional cheesecake. The cake mix serves as the easy-to-use base that brings everything together, and the butter adds moisture and richness to the final product. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
To make the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, layer the strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture. Then, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it over the cake mix, allowing it to soak into the cake. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect
To ensure your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out perfectly, consider using fresh strawberries when they are in season for the best flavor. If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy. For an extra creamy texture, you can beat the cream cheese mixture until it is light and fluffy before spreading it in the baking dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cake mixes, such as chocolate or lemon, to create your unique flavor combinations. Lastly, serve the dump cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat.
Variations and Customizations
There are numerous ways to customize your Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake to suit your preferences. You can add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a mixed berry version. For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or nuts on top of the cake mix before baking. If you prefer a more decadent dessert, try drizzling melted chocolate over the finished cake or serving it with a drizzle of strawberry sauce. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dessert that is uniquely yours.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
While Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is undoubtedly a delicious treat, it’s essential to be mindful of its nutritional content. The cake is rich in sugars and carbohydrates, primarily due to the cake mix and added sugar. To make it a bit healthier, consider reducing the sugar content or using a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with whole wheat cake mix for added fiber. Incorporating fresh strawberries adds vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier dessert option. As with any indulgent treat, moderation is key to enjoying it as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different flavor.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 42 ounces of strawberry pie filling
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup of sour cream
- ½ cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 15.25 ounces of white cake mix
- 1 cup of cold salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the strawberry filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the first two layers.
- Slice thin pats of cold butter and arrange them over the entire top of the dry cake mix, covering as much of the cake mix as possible. Cold butter is easier to slice and helps maintain square pats for coverage.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the dump cake to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch baking pan for this simple dessert recipe to achieve the right texture and consistency. I’ve tried using an 11×7-inch pan in the past, but it resulted in a cake that was a bit too thick, altering the delicious texture of the dump cake.
Different brands of strawberry filling may vary in color. If the cans are older, the fruit might not appear as vibrant, but the flavor will still be amazing.
You might notice a few dry cake mix spots on the top, which is normal and simply indicates areas where the butter didn’t saturate the cake mix. If desired, you can add additional pats of butter to these dry areas. Check the dump cake after about 30 minutes to see if any melted butter missed certain spots. The dump cake is still made correctly and tastes delicious even with some dry patches on top, but try to cover as much of the surface as possible with butter. The pats of butter need to be VERY thin to ensure full coverage.
Oven temperatures can vary, so they may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure accuracy. Keep a close eye on your cake as the suggested baking time approaches.
Allowing the dump cake to rest for a bit before serving will give the strawberry filling time to cool slightly, preventing it from being overly runny when you scoop into it.
