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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden and crisp.
2. **Prepare the Strawberries:**
If you’re using fresh strawberries, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop them into small pieces. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water. Set the strawberries aside.
3. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:**
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the two together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract if desired. This will form the creamy base of the cheesecake layer.
4. **Assemble the Dump Cake:**
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the chopped strawberries evenly over the bottom. Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries, spreading it out to cover the fruit layer. The cream cheese mixture will not completely cover the strawberries, and that’s okay! The goal is to create a layer of creamy cheesecake filling that complements the strawberries as they bake.
5. **Add the Cake Mix:**
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Use a spoon to gently spread it out to cover the entire surface. There’s no need to mix it in—this is a “dump” cake, after all!
6. **Add the Butter:**
Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter will soak into the cake mix as it bakes, creating a buttery, golden topping.
7. **Bake the Cake:**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling around the edges. You may need to check the cake halfway through baking to ensure it’s not browning too quickly. If the top is getting too dark, cover the cake loosely with foil and continue baking.
8. **Cool and Serve:**
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set slightly.
9. **Serve:**
Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creamy, tangy cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries, and the buttery, crisp topping adds a delightful texture contrast.
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### **Tips and Variations**
– **Fruit Options**: While strawberries are the star of this dessert, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or peaches. You could even make a mixed-berry cheesecake dump cake for a colorful twist.
– **Make it Gluten-Free**: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. There are many options available, and you can easily
find a gluten-free yellow cake mix at most grocery stores.
– **Dairy-Free Version**: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also look for non-dairy cake mixes.
– **Add Nuts**: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cake mix before baking.
– **Chill for a Cheesecake Effect**: If you prefer a more solid cheesecake texture, chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This will make the cheesecake filling firmer and give it a more traditional cheesecake texture.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake** is an easy-to-make, decadent dessert that combines the best of two favorite treats – cheesecake and strawberry cake – into one mouthwatering dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this dump cake recipe is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
So the next time you’re craving something sweet, grab a box of cake mix, some fresh strawberries, and a little cream cheese, and let the magic happen. This dessert will hit the spot every time!
