If you love fresh strawberry desserts, this strawberry cream cheese dump cake is a must-try. It’s made with juicy strawberries, a creamy cheesecake-style layer, and a buttery cake mix topping for a simple dessert that tastes homemade.
Unlike traditional dump cakes that use canned filling, this version uses fresh strawberries to create a naturally sweet, slightly syrupy base that bakes up beautifully.
If you enjoy easy desserts like this, you might also like my easy apple dump cake or cherry dump cake. These are just as simple and perfect for sharing.
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This strawberry dump cake with fresh strawberries uses real fruit instead of canned filling for a fresher, more natural flavor.
The cream cheese layer adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
This easy strawberry dessert is perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are in season.
Using cake mix keeps this recipe simple and beginner-friendly while still delivering a soft, buttery topping.
It’s a great dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want something easy and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Fresh strawberries – The base of the dessert, providing natural sweetness and a juicy texture as they bake down into a syrupy layer.
Granulated sugar – Helps draw out the juices from the strawberries and enhances their sweetness.
Cornstarch – Thickens the strawberry mixture so it creates a soft, cobbler-like filling instead of being too watery.
Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs well with both the strawberries and cream cheese.
Cream cheese – Creates a rich, creamy layer that gives the dessert a cheesecake-style flavor.
Egg – Helps the cream cheese mixture set as it bakes.
Yellow cake mix – Forms the soft, buttery topping that makes dump cakes so easy and delicious.
Butter – Slice into thin squares. The thinner the better! Melts into the cake mix, creating a golden, slightly crisp topping.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Use a nonstick spray in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Step 1 - Prepare the strawberries
In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
Stir well and let sit for 10–15 minutes so the strawberries release their juices and create a thick syrup with the cornstarch.
Step 2 - Make cream cheese layer
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and egg.
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 - Add Strawberries and Cream Cheese
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly on the bottom.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries.
Gently spread cream cheese mixture without mixing with strawberries. I find using the back of a large spoon sprayed with no-stick spray makes this easier.
Step 4 - Add cake mix and butter
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Gently smooth the dry cake layer (do not mix).
Spread butter squares across top of cake mix layer.
Step 4 - Bake
Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
The top should be golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbling around the edges.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Dump Cake
Let the strawberries sit long enough to release their juices - this step is important for creating the right texture.
Slice strawberries evenly so they cook at the same rate.
If there are dry patches on the cake mix layer, add some small butter pieces (or give them a quick spray with non-stick spray). Bake for 5 more minutes.
Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
What to Expect
This strawberry cream cheese dump cake has a soft, juicy strawberry base with creamy pockets throughout.
The topping is buttery with slightly crisp edges, similar to a cobbler.
Because it uses fresh strawberries, the texture is a little looser and more natural than versions made with canned filling.
Variations and Substitutions
Use white cake mix for a lighter flavor.
You can also mix in blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
How to Store and Reheat
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds per serving.
This dessert can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Add fresh sliced strawberries on top for extra color and flavor.
Perfect for summer desserts, potlucks, and family gatherings.
FAQs
Yes, slightly softened cream cheese works best. It makes it much easier to scoop and spread evenly throughout the dump cake. If it's too firm, it won’t distribute well and you’ll get large chunks instead of creamy pockets.
No - that’s the beauty of a dump cake. You layer everything in the pan without mixing. The ingredients bake together in the oven to create the final texture.
Warm is best. The cream cheese is softer and the topping has a better texture. You can also serve it chilled, but it will be more firm and dense.
More Desserts
Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake (with Fresh Strawberries)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ cup 1 ½ sticks butter, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Use a nonstick spray in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Stir well and let sit for 10–15 minutes so the strawberries release their juices and create a thick syrup with the cornstarch.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and egg.
- Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the strawberry mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries.
- Gently spread cream cheese mixture without mixing with strawberries. I find using the back of a large spoon sprayed with no-stick spray makes this easier.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Gently smooth the dry cake layer (do not mix).
- Spread butter squares across top of cake mix layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.The top should be golden brown and the strawberry filling bubbling around the edges.
Notes
Nutrition (estimate)
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