Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but requires almost no effort. It combines the richness of chocolate cake, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the bright sweetness of strawberries into one incredibly satisfying dish. I love this recipe because it is completely beginner-friendly and perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without complicated steps. Everything comes together in layers, with no mixing bowls or special techniques required. As it bakes, the ingredients transform into a gooey, decadent cake with pockets of cream cheese and bursts of strawberry flavor. This dessert is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weeknight treats, and it is always one of the first dishes to disappear. If you enjoy desserts that taste impressive but are effortless to prepare, this dump cake is a must-try.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Dump Cake – Rich, Easy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy and decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Dump Cake made with layers of strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake swirls, rich chocolate cake mix, and melted butter—no mixing required.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is set and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Do not mix the layers—this is a true dump cake.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chocolate cake mix forms the rich, fudgy base of the dessert and provides deep chocolate flavor.
Strawberry pie filling adds sweetness, moisture, and vibrant fruit flavor throughout the cake.
Cream cheese creates the cheesecake element, adding creamy texture and tangy balance.
Granulated sugar lightly sweetens the cream cheese layer and enhances its flavor.
Vanilla extract rounds out the cheesecake flavor and adds warmth.
Butter melts over the top, helping the cake bake evenly and develop a rich, golden finish.
Optional chocolate chips add extra richness and pockets of melted chocolate.
Optional fresh strawberries enhance freshness and presentation.
Directions
Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish. Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring full coverage.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer, spacing them evenly.
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the entire dish, covering the filling and cream cheese completely. Do not mix the layers.
Slice the butter thinly and distribute it evenly over the top of the cake mix. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the butter layer.
Bake until the top is set and slightly crisp, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the layers can set.
Serve warm on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results..
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10 to 12 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, baking time is about 45 minutes, and resting time is 10 minutes before serving.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Dump Cake is easy to customize. For a darker, richer dessert, use a chocolate fudge cake mix instead of regular chocolate cake mix. You can also swirl the cream cheese slightly into the strawberry layer for a more marbled cheesecake effect.
If you prefer a different fruit, cherry or raspberry pie filling works beautifully with chocolate and cream cheese. I tested this recipe with cherry filling, and it delivered a deeper, more indulgent flavor that paired perfectly with the chocolate base.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed chocolate cookies on top before baking. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup over the finished cake for an extra decadent presentation. These variations keep the recipe flexible while maintaining its signature dump cake simplicity.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein (g) | 5 |
| Carbs (g) | 52 |
| Fat (g) | 22 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 13 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 34 |
| Sodium (mg) | 360 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even butter coverage
Distribute butter evenly to avoid dry cake mix spots.
Do not stir
Layering is key to proper texture and appearance.
Serve warm
This dessert tastes best slightly warm and gooey.
Add contrast
A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the richness perfectly.
FAQs
Do I need to prepare the cake mix?
No, use the dry cake mix directly without adding eggs or oil.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake ahead and reheat before serving for best results.
Can I use homemade strawberry filling?
Yes, as long as it is thick and well-cooked.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, but the cream cheese adds balance.
Can I freeze dump cake?
Yes, freeze tightly covered for up to two months.
What pan size works best?
A 9×13-inch baking dish provides the best results.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Dump Cake is a rich, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its chocolatey base, creamy cheesecake pockets, and bright strawberry topping, it is the perfect recipe when you want something indulgent, easy, and guaranteed to impress.
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