The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. It’s perfect for those days when the craving for something sweet and comforting hits, but the thought of pulling out your mixer and measuring cups instantly tires you. Or perhaps for those gatherings where you want to impress without the stress. Believe me, this Cheesecake Dump Cake will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
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How to make Cheesecake Dump Cake
Cheesecake Dump Cake is a super easy dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the simplicity of a dump cake. A dump cake is a dessert where you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake—no mixing required!
Ingredients
For a simple yet delicious Cheesecake Dump Cake, you’ll need:
- 1 can (21 ounces) of cherry pie filling (or any pie filling of your choice, such as blueberry, strawberry, or apple)
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) of cream cheese, cut into small cubes (keep chilled until use)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (white or vanilla can also work)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, sliced thinly
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- First Layer: Spread the pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will create a sweet and fruity base for your cake.
- Second Layer: Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly over the pie filling. It’s okay if there are spaces; they will fill in as the cake bakes.
- Third Layer: Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the cream cheese and pie filling. Try to cover all areas.
- Top Layer: Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will melt into the cake mix, creating a rich and moist topping as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, dust with powdered sugar and add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Cream Cheese Tips: Keep the cream cheese chilled until you need to use it so it remains firm and easier to cut into even cubes.
- Butter Distribution: Ensure the butter slices cover the cake mix completely; this helps prevent dry spots.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cake mix and pie fillings according to your taste preferences.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is delightful both warm and cold. Consider adding a chilled topping like ice cream or cold whipped cream if serving cold.
What to serve with
When serving Cheesecake Dump Cake, the options can be as simple or as indulgent as your occasion calls for. Its versatility allows it to be an absolute star on its own or paired with complementary sides for a richer dessert experience.
Complementary Beverages
- Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee, especially a medium roast, pairs wonderfully with the sweet and creamy flavors of the cheesecake—the slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Tea: Lighter teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, serve as a gentle balance to the rich flavors of the dump cake. For a little zest, consider a lemon tea, which can complement the cheesecake’s tangy notes.
- Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine like Riesling or Moscato can enhance the fruity elements of the cake, especially if you’re using a fruit-based pie filling.
- Milk or Milk Alternatives: Nothing says comfort quite like a slice of dessert with a glass of cold milk. Almond or oat milk are great dairy-free options that are equally satisfying.
Toppings
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of a warm slice of Cheesecake Dump Cake not only adds an aesthetic touch but also introduces a light and airy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense cake.
- Ice Cream: Serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing, or get adventurous with flavors like strawberry or cherry to echo the fruit in your cake.
- Fresh Fruits: To add a refreshing element, top your cake with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Sliced bananas or peaches also make excellent toppings depending on the primary fruit flavor in your cake.
- Sauces: For an extra decadent dessert, drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce. A fruit coulis made from pureed and strained berries can also add a nice tart contrast to the sweet and creamy cake.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re eager to make a Cheesecake Dump Cake but find yourself missing some ingredients or need alternative options to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions, don’t worry.
Cream Cheese:
Substitute: Use equal parts of a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a vegan version. If you can’t find that, blended cashews with a bit of lemon juice and maple syrup can mimic the texture and tanginess of cream cheese.
Cheesecake Mix:
Substitute: If the recipe calls for a premade mix and you don’t have one, make your own blend using softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with a bit of milk or alternative if needed.
Cake Mix:
Substitute: Flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt can be used to create a homemade mix. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for cake recipes.
Butter:
Substitute: For a lower-fat option, you can use margarine, coconut oil, or even apple sauce instead of butter. For vegan baking, stick to plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or refined coconut oil. The apple sauce substitute is particularly useful if you want to cut down on calories, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Pie Filling:
Substitute: You can make a homemade fruit compote or use fresh fruit slices. For a sugar-free option, look for or make a fruit filling with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Eggs (if used):
Substitute: If your Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe calls for eggs to bind the ingredients or in the cheesecake mix, you can use a commercial egg replacer, flaxseed meal mixed with water, or unsweetened apple sauce. Each of these will alter the final product in different ways, so it may require some experimentation to get your desired result.
Final Thoughts
Cheesecake Dump Cake is an irresistibly easy dessert that combines the creamy heartiness of cheesecake with the comforting crumble of a traditional dump cake.
More Cheesecake Recipes:
- Homemade Costco Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 ounces) of cherry pie filling
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) of cream cheese
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, sliced thinly
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- First Layer: Spread the pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will create a sweet and fruity base for your cake.
- Second Layer: Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly over the pie filling. It's okay if there are spaces; they will fill in as the cake bakes.
- Third Layer: Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the cream cheese and pie filling. Try to cover all areas.
- Top Layer: Arrange the thin slices of butter evenly over the cake mix. The butter will melt into the cake mix, creating a rich and moist topping as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, dust with powdered sugar and add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
