Donna Woods Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Donna Woods’ Heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet strawberry magic happens when donna woods crafts her legendary dump cake with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Berries burst through layers of creamy cheesecake goodness.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore this simple yet decadent treat that comes together in minutes.

Every bite promises a delightful combination of tangy cream cheese and luscious strawberries.

Baking skills matter little when such an incredible recipe exists.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for anyone seeking a quick and impressive dessert.

You cannot resist diving into this delectable creation that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Donna Woods Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake That Wows

  • Simplify Baking: Create a delectable dessert with minimal effort, combining just a few ingredients for a mouthwatering strawberry cheesecake dump cake that looks and tastes like a professional bakery treat.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Skip the complicated layering and intricate mixing – this recipe allows you to toss ingredients into a baking dish with zero complicated techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Deliver a showstopping sweet that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity brightness of strawberries, guaranteed to impress family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy this dessert warm straight from the oven or at room temperature, making it incredibly adaptable for different preferences and serving situations.

Ingredients to Make Donna Woods Dump Cake

For the Base:
  • Strawberry Pie Filling: A sweet and fruity foundation that provides moisture and flavor to the dump cake.
  • Dry Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient mix that creates a golden, crumbly topping for the dessert.
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds a tangy and smooth texture to the dessert.
  • Sugar: A sweetener that balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese mixture.
For the Finishing Touch:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a crispy, golden-brown topping and adds richness to the cake.

Simple Instructions for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C) so it’s ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Spread The Fruity Base

Grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and generously spread strawberry pie filling across the bottom, creating a luscious foundation.

Step 3: Create Creamy Clouds

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 4: Dot The Creamy Goodness

Carefully drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer, creating beautiful creamy patches.

Step 5: Blanket With Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle dry yellow cake mix across the entire surface, covering the cream cheese and strawberry layers completely.

Step 6: Drench With Butter

Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring every inch gets a buttery kiss.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and starts bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cake rest and cool slightly.

Serve warm or at room temperature, ready to delight everyone’s taste buds.

Tips to Nail This Easy Dessert

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free texture.
  • Sprinkle cake mix evenly and gently tap the baking dish to distribute it uniformly for a consistent golden top.
  • Insert a toothpick near the center – if it comes out with minimal moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra visual appeal and taste complexity.
  • Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while maintaining the cake's delightful texture.

Variations to Add Different Flavors

  • Berry Bliss Variation: Replace strawberry pie filling with mixed berry compote for a vibrant fruity fusion.
  • Chocolate Dream Variation: Add cocoa powder to the cake mix and sprinkle chocolate chips between layers for rich decadence.
  • Tropical Paradise Variation: Substitute strawberry filling with crushed pineapple and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Scatter chopped pecans or almonds over the cake mix before adding melted butter to create a crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve With Dump Cake

  • Indulgent Beverage Pairing: Chill a glass of moscato wine, its sweet, light bubbles perfectly complement the strawberry cheesecake's rich, creamy texture.
  • Refreshing Contrast Companion: Brew a chilled lavender lemonade, offering a bright, herbal note that cuts through the dessert's sweetness and cleanses the palate.
  • Creamy Coffee Match: Prepare a vanilla latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon, its warm, smooth profile harmonizes with the cake's decadent cream cheese and buttery layers.
  • Textural Sidekick: Serve alongside fresh, cold whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, enhancing the dessert's creamy and fruity elements.

Best Storage Tips for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Store leftover cheesecake dump cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.

Wrap individual portions or entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Warm individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking or making cake rubbery.

Preheat oven to 325F. Place cake slice in oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 2-3 minutes to crisp top layer.

FAQs

  • Is this a difficult recipe to make?

This dump cake is incredibly easy! With simple steps and minimal ingredients, even beginner bakers can successfully create this delicious dessert without complicated techniques.

  • Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Fresh strawberries might make the cake too watery. Stick with strawberry pie filling for the best texture and consistent results in this recipe.

  • What makes the cream cheese layer special?

The cream cheese layer adds a rich, tangy element that balances the sweetness of the pie filling and cake mix, creating a creamy and decadent texture throughout the dessert.

  • How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. When the cake mix is crispy and the filling is visibly bubbling, your dump cake is ready to be removed from the oven.

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Donna Woods Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Donna Woods Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Donna Woods’ strawberry cheesecake dump cake delivers pure dessert magic with minimal effort. Sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake meld into a rustic, irresistible treat you cannot resist savoring till the last delicious crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can strawberry pie filling
  • 1 (18.25 ounces / 517 grams) box yellow cake mix
  • 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) package cream cheese, softened

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to create the perfect baking environment.
  2. Distribute strawberry pie filling uniformly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a vibrant fruity base.
  3. Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  4. Gently dollop cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Evenly scatter dry yellow cake mix across the cream cheese surface, creating a textured landscape.
  6. Drizzle melted butter generously over the cake mix, aiming to saturate most of the powdery layer.
  7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown, effervescent top that signals perfect doneness.
  8. Let the dessert rest and slightly cool to allow flavors to meld, then serve either warm or at ambient temperature for a delectable treat.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and perfect texture.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese to ensure rich, creamy consistency and deeper flavor profile in the dessert.
  • Opt for fresh strawberry pie filling or homemade filling for more vibrant and authentic strawberry taste.
  • Customize cake by substituting gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version without compromising deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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