The Perfect Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet memories cascade through my Donna Wood strawberry cheesecake dump cake, a dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Grandma’s kitchen always felt magical with unexpected culinary miracles.

Layers of creamy richness blend seamlessly into each delectable bite.

Strawberries burst with summer’s vibrant essence, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction in this delightful treat.

Crumbly textures mingle with smooth cream cheese, promising a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

One spoonful will transport you to pure bliss.

Why Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Is Irresistible

• Simplify Dessert Making: Dump cake technique eliminates complex steps, making this strawberry cheesecake a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and classic cake mix creates an irresistible dessert that appeals to everyone.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Versatile recipe works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, summer parties, or casual weekend treats without requiring professional baking skills.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Just layer ingredients in a baking dish, mix, and bake – no complicated techniques or specialized equipment needed for a delicious homemade dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A classic dry mix that forms the foundation of this easy dessert.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy layer at the bottom of the cake.

• Fresh Strawberries: Bright and juicy berries that add natural sweetness and fresh flavor.
• Strawberry Preserves: Intensifies the strawberry taste and adds extra moisture to the dessert.

• Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract: A classic mixture that creates a smooth, sweet binding for the cake layers and adds depth of flavor.

How to Make Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by setting it to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Base

Spread softened cream cheese across the entire bottom of the baking dish, creating a smooth and creamy foundation for your delightful dessert.

Step 3: Dust with Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Whip Up the Liquid Magic

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they form a silky, smooth mixture.

Step 5: Pour the Liquid Layer

Carefully pour the butter mixture over the cake mix, making sure it covers the entire surface evenly.

Step 6: Add Fruity Goodness

Scatter fresh strawberries across the top of the cake. Dot the surface with small spoonfuls of strawberry preserves, creating bursts of fruity flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set cake texture.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delectable dessert experience.

Tips to Nail Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Every Time

• Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, smooth layer of softened cream cheese across the baking dish for a consistent base.
• Toss fresh strawberries lightly in a bit of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Whisk the butter mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined, creating a more uniform and rich cake texture.
• Watch the cake closely in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to achieve a perfect golden-brown top without overcooking.
• Let the cake cool for about 15-20 minutes to allow it to set properly, which helps maintain its structure when serving.

Creative Variations on Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Dump Cake: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use egg replacer, coconut oil instead of butter, and plant-based cake mix for a dairy-free version.
• Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake mix and use chocolate cream cheese for a rich, decadent chocolate variation.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and sugar-free strawberry preserves for a diabetic-friendly option.

Best Pairings for Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake

• Serve a chilled, light Moscato with its subtle sweetness and fruity notes that beautifully mirror the strawberry cheesecake dump cake's vibrant flavors.
• Top the warm cake with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between the hot dessert and cold, smooth cream.
• Brew a delicate mint lavender tea that offers a clean, herbal undertone, cutting through the cake's richness and providing a sophisticated palate cleanser.

Storing Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cheesecake dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 5-10 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

The key ingredients include cream cheese, yellow cake mix, fresh strawberries, strawberry preserves, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s extremely easy! You simply layer ingredients in a baking dish and bake, making it perfect for novice bakers who want a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to drain excess liquid before adding.

Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet strawberry magic meets classic cheesecake in this donna wood dump cake, delivering pure dessert bliss. Effortless preparation and irresistible layers promise a crowd-pleasing treat you won’t be able to resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Create a smooth, even layer of softened cream cheese across the entire bottom of the baking dish.
3. Uniformly scatter the yellow cake mix over the cream cheese base, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Craft a liquid mixture by thoroughly blending melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a consistent, silky texture.
5. Gently cascade the butter mixture across the cake mix, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Artfully arrange fresh strawberries over the surface, then delicately place small dollops of strawberry preserves throughout the cake.
7. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and firm cake consistency.
8. Allow the dessert to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes, serving either warm or at ambient temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent lumpy textures in the cream cheese layer.
• Ensure strawberries are ripe but firm to maintain their shape and prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg