Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Some evenings in our house move fast. Shoes by the door, homework spread across the table, and dinner already a memory by the time I finally slow down. On one of those busy weekdays, a neighbor dropped by with a basket of strawberries and a quick hello, and my youngest immediately asked if dessert was happening tonight. That moment lingered with me longer than expected.

A few days later, during a small town school fundraiser, someone mentioned Donna Wood’s Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake while we were stacking chairs and trading recipe shortcuts. It was one of those conversations that sticks, not because it was fancy, but because everyone nodded like they already knew it would work. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the promise of a dessert that feeds a crowd without stress.

That weekend, with kids moving in and out of the kitchen and my husband claiming counter space for coffee, I pulled out a baking dish and gave it a try. No mixers humming for hours, no delicate steps, just layers coming together naturally. The house filled with a warm, sweet smell that drew everyone back into the kitchen before the timer even rang.

Short Description

Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a layered dessert made with strawberry pie filling, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and a buttery cake mix topping that bakes into golden perfection with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients

Tools Needed

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter or spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish so the edges release cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Filling
Spoon both cans of strawberry pie filling into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly so it reaches all corners and forms a smooth base layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps.

Spoon the cheesecake mixture in small dollops over the strawberry layer. Do not spread it out fully, as it will melt and settle during baking.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Take a moment to gently shake the baking dish so the mix fills any gaps. Do not stir or press it down.

Step 5: Pour the Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, aiming to cover as much of the dry surface as possible. The butter will sink through as it bakes, creating crisp golden pockets.

Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be bubbling, and the top should look golden and lightly crisp. If you notice dry patches around the 30 minute mark, drizzle a little extra melted butter over those spots.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It uses pantry staples that are easy to keep on hand

The layering method skips complicated steps

It feeds a crowd without extra effort

The balance of fruit, creaminess, and crunch feels indulgent

It works well for busy schedules and last minute desserts

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using cold cream cheese
Cold cream cheese creates lumps that do not melt evenly.
Solution: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.

Uneven butter coverage
Dry patches can remain powdery after baking.
Solution: Drizzle butter slowly and check halfway through baking to cover dry spots.

Stirring the layers
Mixing disrupts the dump cake texture.
Solution: Layer gently and resist the urge to stir.

Overbaking
Too much time can dry out the topping.
Solution: Check at 45 minutes and remove once the top is golden and bubbling.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic finish

Add fresh strawberries on top for extra brightness

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery style look

Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk

Serve family style straight from the baking dish for casual gatherings

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds

For larger portions, warm in a 300°F oven until heated through

Let chilled portions sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade strawberry filling instead of canned?
Yes, as long as it is thick and fully cooled before layering.

2. Does this recipe work with frozen strawberries?
Frozen berries should be cooked down into a thick filling first to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day ahead and reheated before serving.

4. Is it okay to use reduced fat cream cheese?
It will work, but the texture will be slightly less rich.

5. Can I freeze this dump cake?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cheesecake layer can change.

Tips & Tricks

Use whole fruit pie filling for better texture

Line the baking dish with parchment if transporting

Serve slightly warm for the best contrast of layers

Keep extra melted butter ready just in case

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake:Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla. Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer before adding the cake mix.

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Use lemon cake mix and add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a brighter flavor.

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Swap one can of strawberry filling with blueberry or raspberry filling for a layered berry flavor.

Final Thoughts

Desserts like this fit naturally into everyday routines. They do not demand extra planning or complicated steps, yet once they land on the table, they quietly elevate the whole moment and slow everyone down just a bit.

In our house, the pan emptied sooner than expected, leaving behind a few crumbs and a sink full of spoons. This is the kind of treat I like to keep in mind for long days, when something gently sweet is all it takes to end the evening on a calm, happy note.

Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a layered dessert made with strawberry pie filling, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and a buttery cake mix topping that bakes into golden perfection with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cans strawberry pie filling
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box vanilla or white cake mix about 15.25 ounces
• ¾ cup unsalted butter melted

Optional toppings

• Fresh strawberries
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish.
• Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly in the dish.
• Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then spoon over the filling.
• Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top without stirring.
• Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
• Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
• Cool for 15 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.