Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I still remember the first time I made a Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese. It was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something sweet and effortless, a dessert that could hug my family from the inside out. I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, pulling out fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and a simple cake mix, and in under an hour, my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery. That day, my kids and I sat around the table with warm slices, laughing over the little drips of strawberry filling on our fingers. From that moment, this became my go-to dessert whenever I wanted something sweet, comforting, and quick.
This Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese is perfect for any occasion. I’ve made it for birthdays, Sunday brunches, and even those random evenings when I just wanted a cozy treat for myself. The cream cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess that perfectly balances the sweet, juicy strawberries. And the best part? You literally “dump” everything into a pan — no mixing bowls or fancy tools required.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about a dessert that comes together effortlessly yet tastes like it took hours of love. I love making this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese because it’s simple, yet every bite feels indulgent. The cream cheese layer adds that smooth, dreamy texture that melts into the warm strawberries. Watching the golden cake top bubble over the juicy filling is always a little moment of joy for me.
Another reason I adore this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can use frozen or fresh strawberries, and it always works. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or crushed nuts on top just for fun. But the heart of the recipe remains the same: comfort, simplicity, and pure happiness in every slice.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- If using frozen strawberries, don’t thaw them this keeps the filling thick and prevents it from being watery.
- Softening the cream cheese ahead of time ensures a smoother layer and makes spreading it easier.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a teaspoon of lemon zest over the strawberries before baking.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat.
- Spread the strawberries evenly in the prepared pan.
- Slice the cream cheese into small chunks and dot them evenly over the strawberries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly on top of the cream cheese and strawberries.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix in a steady stream. Don’t worry if some butter pools in spots it will create a golden, crispy topping.
- If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly on top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving, though I admit I can’t resist sneaking a warm spoonful straight from the pan.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it extra special. Sometimes, I even serve it with a few fresh strawberries on top for that extra pop of color. It’s perfect for family dinners, tea time with friends, or a cozy night in with a good movie.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This dessert is forgiving and flexible:
- Storage: Cover leftover cake and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the cake the night before and bake it the next day just cover it tightly in the fridge.
100-Word Short Version
Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese is my go-to cozy dessert. Fresh or frozen strawberries meet creamy, tangy cream cheese, topped with buttery yellow cake mix for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s simple: dump strawberries, cream cheese, cake mix, and butter in a pan, bake, and serve warm. Perfect with ice cream or whipped cream. Easy to store, make ahead, and universally loved, it’s a quick way to bring sweetness and comfort to any table. Every bite tastes like love, memories, and home. Simple, fast, and unforgettable this cake hugs your heart as much as your taste buds.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 45–50 minutes
- Total: 55–60 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Toss strawberries with sugar and vanilla, spread in pan.
- Dot cream cheese over strawberries.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly on top.
- Drizzle melted butter over cake mix.
- Add nuts if desired.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
📝 Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used without thawing.
- Lemon zest adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese is a cozy, effortless dessert perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat anytime. Juicy strawberries meet tangy cream cheese under a golden, buttery cake topping — a hug in every bite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Toss strawberries with sugar and vanilla, spread in pan.
- Dot cream cheese over strawberries.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly on top.
- Drizzle melted butter over cake mix.
- Add nuts if desired.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used without thawing.
- Lemon zest adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
Strawberry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese is more than just a dessert; it’s a reminder of cozy afternoons, laughter, and simple joys. Every time I bake this, it brings a little magic into my kitchen and onto my family’s table. Quick, easy, and endlessly comforting, this cake is a hug in every bite. I hope it becomes a part of your memories too a sweet little ritual that brings people together, one warm, bubbly slice at a time.