**Ingredients:**
– 1 box of white cake mix
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup of strawberry pie filling
– 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
– 1 tsp of vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the mixture over the cake crust.
4. Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cake mixture over the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool before serving.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories per serving: 350
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 11g
– Cholesterol: 55mg
– Sodium: 400mg
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 31g
– Protein: 3g
**Popular questions:**
1. Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
– Yes, you can customize this recipe with different fruit pie fillings like cherry or blueberry.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
– Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors to create unique variations of this dump cake.
3. Can I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?
– While it may alter the texture slightly, you can try using Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to cream cheese.
4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
– You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
5. Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
– Yes, you can prepare this dump cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
6. How do I store leftovers?
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I freeze this dump cake?
– While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
8. How can I enhance the flavor of this dump cake?
– Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of lemon zest can enhance the flavor profile of this dessert.
9. Can I add nuts or oats to the cake mixture?
– Feel free to incorporate chopped nuts or rolled oats for added texture and a nutty flavor.
10. Can I serve this dump cake with whipped cream or ice cream?
– Absolutely! Serve this indulgent dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
**Helpful tips:**
– Top the baked dump cake with fresh sliced strawberries for a decorative finish.
– Experiment with different cake mix flavors like lemon or almond for unique variations.
– Drizzle a homemade strawberry sauce over the slice before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
– For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or granola over the top before baking.
– Try adding a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrusy twist.
– Use a hand mixer to ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
– Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
– Store any leftover dessert covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
– Serve the dump cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
– Get creative with the presentation by layering fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to easily mix with the powdered sugar and vanilla.
2. Use quality strawberry pie filling for a rich and flavorful topping.
3. Avoid overmixing the cake mix and butter to retain a crumbly texture for the crust.
4. Bake the dump cake until golden brown for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
5. Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to set the layers.
6. Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to customize the flavor profile.
7. Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less powdered sugar to suit your taste preferences.
8. Customize the toppings with fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate for a personalized touch.
9. Use a baking dish that is properly greased to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
10. Share this delightful dessert with friends and family to spread the joy of homemade treats.