ADVERTISEMENT
### **For the Cake Topping:**
– **1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix:** The cake mix forms the golden, crumbly topping. You can substitute with a white cake mix if you prefer.
– **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted:** The butter will create a rich, crispy topping as it melts into the cake mix during baking.
—
## **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake**
Now that we know the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the simple process of making this dessert. Follow these easy steps to create your own **Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake**:
### **Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This is an important first step as it allows your oven to reach the right temperature while you’re preparing the other ingredients.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling**
Start by preparing the strawberry filling. In a large bowl, combine the **strawberry pie filling** with the **cream cheese**. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to mix the cream cheese into the pie filling until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want the cream cheese to blend seamlessly with the fruit filling to create a velvety texture.
Next, add the **sugar**, **vanilla extract**, and **egg**. Beat the mixture until everything is fully incorporated. The egg will help the cheesecake layer set as it bakes, giving it a custard-like consistency.
Once the strawberry cheesecake mixture is well-mixed, spread it evenly in the bottom of a **9×13-inch baking dish**.
### **Step 3: Add the Cake Mix**
Now it’s time to add the cake mix. Sprinkle the entire box of **yellow cake mix** evenly over the strawberry cheesecake layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the cake mix will bake into the mixture, forming a golden, crumbly topping.
### **Step 4: Pour the Butter**
Melt the **unsalted butter** in a microwave-safe bowl, then pour it evenly over the cake mix. The butter will soak into the dry cake mix and help it turn into a crispy, golden topping as it bakes. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake mix with butter for the best results.
### **Step 5: Bake the Cake**
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for **45 to 50 minutes**. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking, as the top should become golden and slightly crispy, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If the toothpick is clean, your cake is ready.
### **Step 6: Cool and Serve**
Allow the cake to cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set and ensures you get a neat slice when serving.
Serve warm, or at room temperature, and enjoy the creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness of Donna Wood’s Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake!
—
## **Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake**
While the recipe is incredibly easy to make, here are a few tips that can help ensure your dump cake turns out perfectly:
1. **Use Softened Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the pie filling. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to combine with the other ingredients.
2. **Layering the Cake Mix:** Don’t over-mix or stir the cake mix when adding it to the strawberry mixture. Simply sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layer to get that classic dump cake texture.
3. **Try Different Cake Mix Flavors:** While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can try different flavors of cake mix, such as white cake mix or even strawberry cake mix, for a fun twist.
4. **Add Fresh Strawberries:** If you prefer fresh strawberries over canned pie filling, simply slice up about 2 cups of fresh strawberries and mix them with sugar and cornstarch to create your own fruit filling.
5. **Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:** For extra indulgence, serve your strawberry cheesecake dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
—
## **Variations and Customization Ideas**
While Donna Wood’s Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is delicious as is, you can customize it in a few ways to suit your tastes:
1. **Mixed Berry Dump Cake:** If you prefer a berry medley, swap out the strawberries for a mixture of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The tartness of these berries pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheesecake filling.
2. **Add Nuts:** If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) on top of the cake mix before baking. This will add texture and flavor to the dessert.
3. **Use Sugar-Free Cake Mix:** For those who want to reduce sugar content, you can opt for a sugar-free cake mix and sugar substitutes. This allows you to enjoy the dessert without the extra calories.
4. **Lemon Zest for Added Freshness:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrusy twist. The lemon’s bright, fresh flavor will elevate the sweetness of the strawberries and complement the richness of the cheesecake.
5. **Make It Gluten-Free:** You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just make sure to check all labels for hidden gluten in the other ingredients.
—
## **Conclusion: Why Donna Wood’s Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Is a Must-Try**
In a world full of complicated dessert recipes, the **Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake** stands as a shining
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
