Introduction
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the fruity freshness of strawberries. It’s a no-fuss recipe perfect for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500 g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
300 g cream cheese, softened
200 g granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
180 ml milk
1 box (approximately 400 g) vanilla cake mix
150 g unsalted butter, melted
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 100 g of sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.
3. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, the remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
4. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
5. Spread the strawberries evenly across the bottom of the dish.
6. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries.
7. Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the top without stirring.
8. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). A properly heated oven ensures that your cake bakes evenly and develops a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 100 g of granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes; this step helps the strawberries release their sweet juices, enhancing the overall flavor of the cake.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, the remaining 100 g of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 180 ml of milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, reminiscent of a rich cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Grease the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring each piece comes out beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Strawberries
Spread the sugared strawberries evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a vibrant base that will infuse the entire dessert with fruity flavor.
Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture
Drizzle the creamy cheesecake mixture over the layer of strawberries. This will create a luscious, creamy top layer that pairs perfectly with the berries below.
Step 7: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the vanilla cake mix over the top of the cream cheese layer without stirring. This creates a delightful crumb topping that will bake into a golden layer.
Step 8: Pour the Melted Butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix. This will help the top layer achieve a crisp, buttery finish as it bakes.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cake is ready when it turns golden brown and is bubbly around the edges. The aroma of warm strawberries and cheesecake will fill your kitchen.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature. The combination of warm, gooey strawberries with creamy cheesecake is simply irresistible.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Customization Options
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries such as blueberries or raspberries, or mix in a combination for a berry medley delight. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cake mix can also elevate the flavors.
Cook techniques
Prepping Strawberries
Slice the fresh strawberries and combine them with sugar. Allowing them to sit releases their natural juices, enhancing flavor.
Mixing Cream Cheese
Use a mixer or whisk to blend softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates the cheesecake layer.
Layering Ingredients
Start by spreading the strawberries evenly at the bottom of the baking dish, followed by drizzling the cream cheese mixture and adding the cake mix on top without stirring.
Pouring Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This helps achieve a golden crust.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly. This ensures the cake is cooked through and properly rises.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
How should I store leftover dump cake?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best taste.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate or any berry-flavored cake mix can be used for different flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to cool the cake before serving?
While it can be served warm, allowing it to cool slightly helps the flavors to meld better.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the rich flavor of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy taste of strawberries. Its ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for gatherings or family dinners, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a treat that’s sure to please.
Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake
Create a decadent chocolate version by using chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla and adding chocolate chips to the strawberry layer for extra richness.
Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake
For a refreshing twist, replace strawberries with fresh blueberries and add a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty flavor.
Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake
Substitute strawberries with crushed pineapple and sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake mix. This tropical variation is perfect for summer gatherings.
Peach Dump Cake
Use fresh or canned peaches instead of strawberries, and consider adding a hint of cinnamon to the cream cheese layer for a warm, comforting dessert.
Mixed Berry Dump Cake
Combine different berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry dump cake that bursts with flavor and color.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dump Cake
In the fall, swap the strawberries for pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese for a seasonal twist on the classic cheesecake flavor.
