Certainly! Here’s a detailed guide for making
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries, all topped with a buttery, golden cake crust. As a “dump cake,” this dessert requires minimal preparation—just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work. It’s the perfect choice for busy bakers or anyone craving a comforting, indulgent dessert with minimal effort.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The concept of a “dump cake” originated in the United States during the 1980s, and it became popular due to its simplicity and convenience. The idea is to “dump” ingredients into a pan without much mixing, allowing them to bake together into a delicious, cobbler-like dessert. The dump cake genre is often associated with American home cooking, especially for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers.
In the case of Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, the dessert draws inspiration from the beloved combination of strawberries and cheesecake, a classic American pairing. This dessert allows people to enjoy a cheesecake-inspired treat without the time-consuming process of making a traditional cheesecake.
Cultural Significance
Dump cakes hold a nostalgic place in American dessert culture, often evoking memories of simple, homey cooking and gatherings with family and friends. This strawberry cheesecake variation brings together two beloved flavors—cheesecake and strawberries—while still staying true to the essence of comfort food. It’s a go-to dessert for those who want something rich and satisfying without the effort involved in more intricate baking techniques.
Ingredients and Quantity
For a 9×13-inch baking dish (serving approximately 12 people), you will need:
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves: 1 1/2 cups (360 g)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120 g)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box (about 15.25 oz/432 g)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 1/2 cups (225 g), chopped (optional for added fruitiness)
Optional Additions:
- Whipped Cream for serving
- Crushed Graham Crackers for garnish (to enhance the “cheesecake” vibe)
- Chopped Nuts (e.g., pecans or almonds) for a crunchy topping
- Chocolate Chips for a fun twist
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and sour cream are softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Don’t Overmix: For a nice creamy cheesecake base, gently mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar, but don’t overwork it.
- Layer Evenly: When layering, spread the strawberry jam and cheesecake mixture evenly to ensure a smooth texture across the dessert.
- Butter the Cake Mix Generously: The melted butter will help create a golden, crispy topping for the cake.
- Add Extra Fruit: For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh strawberries between the layers or on top of the cake before baking.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Strawberry Jam:
- Spoon the strawberry jam or preserves over the cream cheese layer. Use a spoon to spread it evenly over the surface, creating a nice layer of fruity sweetness.
- Add the Cake Mix:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry layer, making sure the cake mix covers the entire surface without mixing.
- Pour Butter:
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. It’s fine if some areas have more butter than others—it will melt and create a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the dump cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. It will thicken as it cools. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and fruity strawberry layers, topped with a sweet, golden, and buttery cake crust. The cake itself is soft yet slightly crispy around the edges, and it pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese layer and the juicy, tangy strawberries. The dessert is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, with a comforting texture that combines the best of a cheesecake, cobbler, and cake all in one.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Sugar: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines the best features of cheesecake and a dump cake. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you just need a sweet treat without the hassle of complicated recipes. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and golden cake makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.
Recommendation
I highly recommend Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for anyone looking for a fun, effortless dessert that delivers on flavor. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to experiment with different fruit jams or even add chocolate chips to the cake mix for a fun twist. Embrace the joy of healthful indulgence by enjoying this dessert in moderation, savoring the balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors.