A Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake That Tastes Like Home

Some recipes come from cravings; others, from memories. My Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is one of those sweet memories.

I still remember the sunlit afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of fresh strawberries in the air, and little me scattering cream cheese chunks into a buttered dish. We didn’t call it a Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake then — it was just “the easy cake” we made when we craved something simple and sweet.

There’s magic in every bite — jammy strawberries, creamy pockets of cheese, and a golden, buttery topping. It tastes like a warm hug from the past.

Whenever I think of simple, comforting cakes, I’m also reminded of how much I adore a light Yogurt Cake — perfect for sunny afternoons like those in my grandmother’s kitchen.

Print

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

There’s something effortless yet luxurious about this cake. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps — just a handful of good ingredients layered with love.

What makes it unforgettable is the perfect balance: the strawberries turn luscious and jammy, the cream cheese stays rich and silky, and the buttery cake topping gives a slight crunch with every forkful. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade in the very best way — rustic, cozy, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re baking it for a Sunday gathering or just because the week feels long, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake delivers pure, uncomplicated joy.

If you’re a fan of easy, no-fuss desserts, you might also fall in love with these charming Mini Cupcakes, another quick treat I keep coming back to.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh strawberries, sliced	3 cups (about 450g)
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
Cream cheese, cubed	8 oz (about 225g)
Vanilla cake mix (boxed)	1 box (about 15.25 oz)
Unsalted butter, melted	1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g)
Lemon juice (optional)	1 tablespoon

🛒 Notes:

• If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen (thawed and drained).
• Feel free to swap vanilla cake mix with white or yellow cake mix depending on what you have.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

In a large bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice if using. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until they release their juices — a little pool of sweet syrup that smells like pure summer.

Step 2: Layer the Goodness

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sugared strawberries evenly across the bottom. Next, scatter the cubes of cream cheese over the berries, making sure they’re nicely dotted all around.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Don’t stir — the beauty of a dump cake is in the layering!

Step 4: Finish with Butter

Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly across the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface as possible — this will help create that golden, buttery crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes. Scoop into bowls and enjoy warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Rafel’s Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

• Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Slightly soften your cream cheese before cubing it — it melts more evenly into the cake and creates those dreamy, creamy pockets.
• Even Butter Drizzle: Take your time when pouring the melted butter. The more evenly you distribute it, the better the cake mix bakes up golden and crispy.
• Rest Before Serving: It’s tempting to dive right in, but giving the cake about 15–20 minutes to cool helps it set up beautifully and gives you cleaner, juicier servings.
• Experiment with Mixes: Don’t hesitate to swap in a lemon or strawberry-flavored cake mix for a fun twist depending on your mood or the season.
• Go à la Mode: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm cake? Pure bliss.

Variations on Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• Mixed Berry Magic: Swap out some of the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a beautiful medley of flavors and colors in your Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Sprinkle a handful of white or dark chocolate chips over the strawberries before adding the cake mix — a little surprise in every bite that takes your Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake to the next level.
• Citrus Brightness: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the strawberries for a fresh, zesty lift that balances the sweetness of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake perfectly.
• Nutty Crunch: For a bit of texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top just before baking. They toast beautifully in the oven, adding a lovely crunch to the creamy layers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use a gluten-free cake mix — the result is just as delicious and ensures everyone can enjoy a slice of this comforting Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

For a berry twist, you could try a cozy Raspberry White Chocolate Mug Cake, especially if you’re looking for something sweet and ready in minutes.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

There’s nothing quite like digging into a warm Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake fresh from the oven. Here’s how I love to serve it:

• Classic and Warm: Scoop generous portions into bowls while it’s still warm and gooey. The creamy, jammy layers are pure comfort just as they are.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top. The way it melts into the warm cake is like a little piece of heaven.
• Whipped Cream Clouds: A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings an airy contrast to the rich, dense cake.
• Brunch Favorite: Serve small squares alongside coffee or tea for a cozy brunch spread — it pairs beautifully with a simple breakfast table.
• Chilled Delight: Leftovers are surprisingly good straight from the fridge — the cream cheese firms up a bit, giving each bite a cheesecake-like texture.

No matter how you serve it, this cake turns an ordinary moment into something memorable.

And if you love a bright, citrusy dessert, the Lemon Dump Cake with Cream Cheese would be another irresistible option to bring to your table.

A Sweet Ending

Baking this Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake always reminds me that the simplest things often bring the most joy. A few humble ingredients, a little bit of love, and suddenly you have a dessert that feels like a celebration of home and heart.

Whether it’s shared at a gathering or enjoyed quietly with a cup of coffee, each bite carries a whisper of sunshine, childhood, and all the cozy moments that matter most.

Because in the end, it’s not just about baking a cake — it’s about baking memories.

For more heartwarming recipes and behind-the-scenes baking moments, join me on Facebook and Pinterest. Let’s bake and create memories together!

FAQs About Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake