The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Now, let me tell you about this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese. Oh, this one makes my heart smile. Even though I grew up baking honey-soaked Greek desserts and almond cakes with my grandmother, I absolutely love discovering simple recipes like this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese that bring just as much joy with half the effort.
The first time I made Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese, I wanted something sweet, easy, and comforting. I had strawberries, cream cheese, and a cake mix in my pantry. I did not want to spend hours baking. I wanted something warm, bubbly, and creamy that I could serve after Sunday lunch.
When this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese came out of the oven, golden on top and bubbling at the edges, I knew I had found something special. The sweet strawberries melted into the creamy pockets of cheese, and the buttery cake topping turned slightly crisp. It smelled like happiness.
Now I make this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese whenever I want a dessert that feels indulgent but requires almost no stress. And trust me, we all need recipes like that.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels almost magical. I layer everything in one dish, slide it into the oven, and let it do its thing. No complicated steps. No fancy techniques. Just simple ingredients working together beautifully.
As a woman who believes food connects families, I adore desserts that allow me to stay present. I do not want to stand in the kitchen for hours while everyone laughs in the living room. This cake lets me prepare something delicious quickly so I can join the conversation.
I also love the contrast of textures. The strawberries turn soft and jammy. The cream cheese becomes smooth and slightly tangy. The cake topping absorbs butter and forms a golden crust. Every spoonful feels rich, fruity, creamy, and comforting.
And let me tell you something else children love it, husbands love it, neighbors love it. Whenever I bring this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese to a gathering, someone always asks for the recipe.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here is everything I use. Simple, affordable, easy to find.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
My Little Kitchen Secrets
1. Use full-fat cream cheese.
I always use full-fat because it melts better and gives that rich, creamy texture.
2. Do not mix the layers.
This is called a dump cake for a reason. I layer everything and let the oven create the magic.
3. Cover the cake mix fully with butter.
If I see dry patches, I drizzle a little extra melted butter. That helps create an even golden top.
4. Let it rest before serving.
I know it smells amazing, but I let it sit for 15–20 minutes. The filling thickens slightly and becomes easier to serve.
How I Make It, Step by Step
I keep this process simple and joyful.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C).
I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Add the Strawberry Layer
I spread both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. I make sure the layer looks smooth and even.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. I do not rush this step. I want it silky.
Step 4: Add Creamy Dollops
I spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry filling. I space them evenly. I do not spread it fully. It melts beautifully while baking.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
I sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over everything. I do not stir. I let it sit gently on top like a blanket.
Step 6: Drizzle the Butter
I slowly drizzle melted butter all over the cake mix. I try to cover as much surface as possible.
Step 7: Bake
I place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The top turns golden brown and the edges bubble happily.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
I remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese warm. I scoop it into bowls instead of slicing it like a traditional cake.
Sometimes I add:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh sliced strawberries
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
When I serve this after dinner, everyone gathers around the table again. We talk, we laugh, and we take second helpings. That is the power of a simple dessert.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
I cover leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
I reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. It tastes freshly baked again.
Make-Ahead Tip
I assemble everything earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate it unbaked. Then I bake it fresh before serving.
100-Word Short Version
This Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese combines sweet strawberry pie filling, creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese, and buttery yellow cake mix into one incredibly easy dessert. I layer everything in a baking dish, drizzle melted butter on top, and bake until golden and bubbly. The strawberries turn jammy, the cream cheese melts into creamy pockets, and the cake topping becomes slightly crisp. I serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting treat. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy family dinners.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly in the dish.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Spoon dollops over the strawberry layer.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top.
- Drizzle melted butter over cake mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 15 minutes before serving.
📝 Notes
- Use white cake mix for a lighter flavor.
- Add chopped pecans for crunch.
- Serve warm for best texture.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 3g
Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese is my go-to cozy dessert when I want something sweet, bubbly, and effortless. I layer strawberry pie filling, creamy vanilla-kissed cream cheese, and buttery cake mix, then bake until golden. It tastes like warm strawberry shortcake meets cheesecake—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an easy family treat served with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz / 595 g each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced almonds or chopped pecans for crunch
- Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Spoon the strawberry pie filling into the dish and spread it into an even layer.
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture all over the strawberry layer. I leave it in little pockets so it melts into creamy bites while baking.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir—just make an even blanket of cake mix.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface as you can. If you like, sprinkle nuts on top for extra crunch.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top looks golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Let the cake rest for 15–20 minutes so it thickens slightly and serves beautifully.
- Scoop into bowls and serve warm (my favorite) with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Tips: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest pockets. If you see dry cake-mix patches after adding butter, drizzle 1–2 extra tablespoons of melted butter (or a small splash of milk) right on those spots. Swaps: White cake mix works great for a lighter flavor, and cherry pie filling is delicious too. Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
This Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese reminds me that cooking does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the simplest desserts create the warmest memories. I love watching my family take that first bite, smiling at the creamy sweetness.
If you make this in your kitchen, imagine me beside you, wiping flour off my hands and smiling. Let it get a little messy. Let it smell amazing. Let it bring everyone to the table.
Because that is what cooking is truly about love, laughter, and sharing something sweet.
