Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Edi toron

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holidays, or last-minute desserts, this dump cake is beloved because it never fails. It is forgiving, adaptable, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why This Dump Cake Is So Popular

Donna Wood’s version stands out because it combines two classic desserts into one:

  • Strawberry pie filling for sweetness and fruitiness

  • Cream cheese for rich cheesecake flavor

  • Vanilla or white cake mix for structure and buttery topping

  • Butter to create that signature dump cake crust

There is no mixing, no measuring flour, and no complicated steps. Even beginner bakers can make this successfully on the first try.

Preparation Overview

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (21 ounces each) strawberry pie filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) vanilla or white cake mix

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional toppings:

 

 

  • Powdered sugar

  • Fresh strawberries

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Filling

 

 

Spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the layer is smooth and reaches the edges. This will form the fruity base of the cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined.

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the strawberry filling. Do not spread it out completely. Leaving pockets of cream cheese creates delicious cheesecake swirls as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

 

 

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the entire surface of the dish. Do not stir. Make sure the cake mix covers the strawberry and cream cheese layers as evenly as possible.

Step 5: Pour the Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. The butter will soak into the mix during baking and create a golden, crumbly topping.

Step 6: Bake

 

 

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

If some dry cake mix spots remain after 30 minutes, lightly drizzle with a tablespoon or two of melted butter.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the dump cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly and makes serving easier.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

What This Dump Cake Tastes Like

Once baked, Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake has:

  • A bubbling, jammy strawberry base

  • Creamy pockets of cheesecake throughout

  • A buttery, lightly crisp cake topping

  • A soft, gooey center similar to cobbler

It is rich without being overwhelming and sweet without being cloying.

Tips for Perfect Results

  • Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps.

  • Do not mix the layers.

  • Spread butter as evenly as possible.

  • Place the baking dish on a foil-lined sheet to catch spills.

  • Let rest before serving for cleaner slices.

Variations

Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use lemon cake mix and add lemon zest to the cream cheese.

Mixed Berry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Substitute one can of strawberry filling with blueberry or raspberry.

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use white cake mix and add chocolate chips on top.

Low-Sugar Option

Use reduced-sugar pie filling and cut sugar in cream cheese in half.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Freezer:
Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

  • Add a dollop of whipped cream

  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar

  • Garnish with fresh strawberries

This dessert is especially good served slightly warm with something cold and creamy.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 410

  • Fat: 21 g

  • Carbohydrates: 52 g

  • Protein: 4 g

  • Sugar: 32 g

Values vary depending on ingredients used.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump

 Cake has stood the test of time because it is:

  • Foolproof

  • Budget-friendly

  • Crowd-pleasing

  • Quick to assemble

  • Comforting and nostalgic

It is the kind of dessert people ask for again and again, often requesting the recipe after the first bite.