Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This strawberry cheesecake dump cake combines the luscious flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake with a crispy graham cracker topping. Perfect for spring gatherings or anytime you need an impressive dessert that's surprisingly simple to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

I first created this recipe for an Easter brunch when I needed something festive but was short on time. The reaction was so enthusiastic that it's now requested at nearly every family gathering, regardless of the season!

Ingredients

• Fresh Strawberries (2 pounds): These juicy berries create the perfect sweet-tart base. Look for bright red berries with no white shoulders for optimal flavor.
• Graham Crackers (1 box, about 9 sheets): These provide the classic cheesecake crust flavor in a dump cake format. The honey variety adds an extra dimension.
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Creates that irresistible golden topping. European butter has a higher fat content for an even richer result.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Full-fat works best for that authentic cheesecake flavor. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before using.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces): This creates a foolproof cheesecake layer without having to worry about custard setting properly.
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and helps set the cheesecake layer. Fresh-squeezed makes a noticeable difference.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Use pure extract rather than imitation for the best flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices.
• Sprinkles (Optional): Choose seasonal colors to customize your presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Dish:

Set your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat the corners well. A light-colored metal pan will give you the most even baking results.

Prepare the Strawberries:

Wash your strawberries thoroughly, then remove the green tops and slice them about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange them in an even layer in your prepared dish. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the berries and let them sit for about 5 minutes to begin releasing their juices.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth with no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once during mixing.

Pour Cheesecake Filling Over Strawberries:

Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the strawberries, using a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer. Try not to disturb the strawberry layer too much. The cheesecake mixture should completely cover the strawberries.

Prepare Graham Cracker Topping:

Crush your graham crackers into fine crumbs. A food processor works perfectly for this, but you can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until they resemble coarse sand.

Sprinkle Graham Cracker Crumbs:

Distribute the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the cheesecake layer, creating a consistent coating across the entire surface. Make sure there are no bare spots where the cheesecake filling is visible.

Drizzle with Melted Butter:

Melt the butter until completely liquid but not hot. Use a spoon to drizzle it evenly over the graham cracker layer, trying to moisten all the crumbs. This creates that magical self-forming crust as it bakes.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the edges will begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. The center may still have a slight jiggle but should not be liquid.

Cool Completely:

Place the baking dish on a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature, which takes about 2 hours. During this time, the cheesecake layer will continue to set up properly.

Chill Before Serving:

For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the dump cake for at least 2-3 hours or preferably overnight. This allows all the layers to set completely and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Add Festive Sprinkles:

If using sprinkles for a decorative touch, add them just before serving so they maintain their vibrant colors and don't bleed into the topping.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. A metal spatula dipped in hot water makes clean slices through all the layers.

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My favorite part of this dessert is the magical way the buttery graham cracker topping transforms in the oven. What starts as crumbs becomes a beautifully crisp, golden layer that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake and juicy strawberries beneath. My grandmother always said a truly special dessert should offer multiple textures in each bite, and this recipe delivers that wisdom perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the graham cracker topping from getting soggy?

Ensure you drizzle the melted butter evenly over the graham cracker crumbs and bake until golden for a crisp topping.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the dish.

→ How long should I chill the dump cake before serving?

Chill the cake for at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute, but it will result in a slightly different flavor and texture.

→ What toppings can I add for extra flavor?

Garnish with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added flavor and presentation.