Oh my goodness, let me tell you about *the ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake*! This dessert is like a dream come true for anyone who loves strawberries and cheesecake—who doesn’t, right? It’s so easy to whip up, and the best part is, you literally just dump everything in one dish! I remember the first time I made this for a gathering; people were raving about it! The creamy cheesecake layer, the sweet strawberries, and that crumbly cake mix on top all come together for a delightful treat. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So incredibly easy to make—just dump and bake!
- A delicious fusion of strawberry and cheesecake flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
- Perfect for gatherings; everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Minimal cleanup since it’s all made in one baking dish.
- Flexible ingredients—use fresh or frozen strawberries depending on what you have on hand.
- Rich and creamy texture with a delightful crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible.
- Great for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.
Ingredients List
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
How to Prepare *the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake*
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Making *the ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake* is as easy as pie—well, actually easier! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with some butter or cooking spray. We want our delicious cake to come out easily, right? Trust me, this step is essential!
Layering the Ingredients
Now for the fun part—layering! Start by spreading those gorgeous sliced strawberries evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy. Pour this dreamy mixture right over your strawberries. Then, take the box of strawberry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t stir—just let it sit there! Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, and sprinkle on those graham cracker crumbs for that extra crunch. Yum!
Baking Instructions
Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and your kitchen smells like heaven! Let it cool for a bit before diving in. I promise, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your experience with *the ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake* is a smashing success, here are some of my top tips! Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor and vibrant color to this dessert. If you can, go for ripe, juicy ones—they really elevate the whole dish!
- Soften Your Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps create that smooth, creamy texture that you want. I usually let mine sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Don’t Skip the Greasing: Greasing your baking dish is crucial! It ensures your cake comes out cleanly without sticking, so you can show off those beautiful layers.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to switch things up, try adding a splash of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for some added zing!
- Let It Cool: I know it’s hard to wait, but letting the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before serving allows it to set up nicely. Plus, it makes it easier to cut into nice slices.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: For the ultimate indulgence, top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch that takes this cake over the top!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a standard serving size of *the ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake*. Keep in mind that these values are approximations, so they may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Enjoy this decadent treat while keeping these nutritional facts in mind, and remember, everything in moderation makes for a delightful dessert experience!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some burning questions about *the ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake*, so let’s tackle those right here! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries I hear, and I’m here to help you out.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. They’ll still give you that yummy strawberry flavor!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 3-4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long—it’s just too delicious!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and then cover it and refrigerate. It gets even better as the flavors meld overnight!
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed cookies like Oreos or even vanilla wafers for a fun twist. It’ll add a different flavor but still taste amazing!
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free as well. You can find lots of great options out there!
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate it even more, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh strawberries on top never hurt, either!
Can I double this recipe?
You can! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this scrumptious *ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake*, and now you have some leftovers—if there are any left, that is! To keep it fresh and tasty, here’s how to store it properly. First, let the cake cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Trust me, that creamy layer and sweet strawberries will still be delightful even after a couple of days!
Now, if you want to reheat it, it’s super easy! Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven if you prefer a bit of crispiness. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot! Enjoy your dessert warm, and don’t forget to top it with some whipped cream for that extra treat! Yum!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up *the ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake*, let’s talk about how to make this sweet treat even more delightful! While it’s absolutely delicious on its own, a few simple additions can elevate it to the next level.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top is a classic choice. It adds a light, airy texture that perfectly complements the creaminess of the cheesecake layer.
- Fresh Strawberries: For a burst of freshness, serve it with some sliced fresh strawberries on the side. Not only do they look pretty, but they also enhance that strawberry flavor.
- Ice Cream: If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cake. The melty ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the cake’s texture.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate syrup over each slice for a decadent touch. The combination of strawberries, cheesecake, and chocolate is simply divine!
- Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, on top for a crunchy texture. It adds a nice bite and pairs well with the creamy layers.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing hint. It’s such a lovely touch that makes everything feel extra special!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Each addition brings its own unique flair, making your *ultimate strawberry cheesecake dump cake* a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert that combines strawberry cheesecake flavors with a dump cake method.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the sliced strawberries evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over strawberries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Substitute fresh strawberries with frozen if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake dump cake, easy dessert, cheesecake cake, strawberry dump cake
