This Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a warm, gooey one-pan dessert with a strawberry pie filling base, creamy sugar-free cheesecake swirls, and a buttery, golden cake-mix topping. It comes together quickly with minimal prep and is perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or cozy family nights.
Made with sugar-free strawberry pie filling, cream cheese, sugar-free vanilla cake mix, and fresh strawberries, this dump cake delivers rich flavor without regular sugar. The “dump” method means you simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
It is especially delicious served warm with sugar-free whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream. Extra fresh strawberries add a bright, juicy finish that makes every bite feel special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is. You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time.
The flavor is bright and comforting. Sugar-free strawberry pie filling and fresh strawberries create a sweet, juicy base, while the cream cheese layer adds tangy richness.
It is also very forgiving. As long as you layer the ingredients and let the butter melt over the cake mix, the dessert turns out golden and delicious almost every time.
What Is a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a no-mix dessert made by layering ingredients in a baking dish and baking. The name comes from the idea of “dumping” the ingredients into the pan.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake uses sugar-free strawberry pie filling, fresh strawberries, cream cheese, sugar-free vanilla cake mix, and cold butter. As it bakes, the butter melts into the cake mix and creates a crisp, golden topping.
The strawberry and cheesecake layers underneath become warm, bubbly, and creamy. The result is a cross between a strawberry cobbler and a cheesecake.
Ingredients You Need
This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients to create a warm, comforting dessert.
Strawberry Base (Sugar-Free)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) sugar-free strawberry pie filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Cheesecake Layer (Sugar-Free)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream, optional
Cake Topping (Sugar-Free)
- 1 box (about 15 oz) sugar-free vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar-free sweetener, optional for dusting
Optional for Serving
- Sugar-free whipped cream
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream
- Extra fresh strawberries
The strawberry pie filling provides sweet, juicy flavor. The cream cheese layer adds tangy richness, while the cake mix and butter create the buttery, golden topping.
How to Make Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This recipe is extremely easy to prepare. The key is to layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Add the Strawberry Base
Spread the sugar-free strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
Scatter the sliced fresh strawberries over the pie filling.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar-free sweetener, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add heavy cream if using for extra silkiness.
Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer.
Gently spread or swirl to distribute, but do not fully mix into the strawberries.
Add the Cake Topping
Sprinkle the dry sugar-free vanilla cake mix evenly over the cheesecake and strawberry layers.
Do not stir the layers together.
Arrange thin slices of very cold butter over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
The center may still look slightly soft but will set as it cools.
Cool and Serve
Let the dump cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with sugar-free whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream.
Garnish with extra fresh strawberries if desired.
Texture and Flavor
This dump cake has a soft, juicy strawberry layer underneath, creamy cheesecake swirls, and a buttery, golden, slightly crisp topping. The cake mix does not turn into a traditional cake. Instead, it becomes a crumbly, cobbler-like crust.
The strawberries are warm and syrupy, with a bright, natural sweetness. The cream cheese adds tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
Served warm, it feels like a rich, comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Results
A few small details can help your dump cake turn out perfectly every time.
Use Softened Cream Cheese
Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer. Cold cream cheese will not beat smoothly.
Keep the Butter Cold
Keep the butter very cold so it melts slowly and creates a golden, crisp topping. Thin slices help it distribute evenly.
Do Not Stir the Layers
Do not stir the layers before baking. The “dump” method relies on layering to create the right texture.
Add Fresh Strawberries
Add fresh strawberries for brighter flavor and texture. Canned strawberries can work but may be softer.
Let It Rest
Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly for easier serving.
Easy Variations
This recipe is easy to customize with different flavors, toppings, and additions.
Add Blueberries
Replace half the strawberries with fresh blueberries for a mixed-berry version.
Add Raspberries
Use fresh raspberries instead of strawberries for a raspberry cheesecake dump cake.
Add Lemon Zest
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for extra brightness.
Make It Nut-Free
This recipe is naturally nut-free. Just check the cake mix label if you have severe allergies.
Add Cinnamon
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the strawberry layer for a warmer spice note.
Serving Ideas
This dump cake is best served warm. A dollop of sugar-free whipped cream or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream makes it feel extra special.
Extra fresh strawberries add color and a juicy contrast. A drizzle of sugar-free strawberry syrup can enhance the fruitiness.
It is perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, backyard barbecues, and simple family desserts. Because it is easy to make in a large pan, it is ideal for feeding a crowd.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
The topping will soften as it sits, but the flavor remains delicious. For a crisper texture, reheat it in the oven instead of the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings:
- Calories: ~265
- Net Carbs: ~10g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Total Carbs: ~12g
Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of cake mix, pie filling, cream cheese, and butter you use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can affect the texture of a dump cake.
Stirring the Layers
Stirring the strawberry filling, cheesecake layer, and cake mix together can make the topping soggy. Keep the layers separate.
Using Too Little Butter
If the butter does not cover most of the cake mix, some areas may stay dry and powdery.
Underbaking the Cake
Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Underbaking can leave the cake mix tasting raw.
Serving It Too Soon
Let the dump cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the filling to set so it is easier to scoop and serve.
Using a Small Pan
A pan smaller than 9×13 inches can cause the dessert to overflow in the oven.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the dump cake ahead and bake it when needed. It is also great for reheating leftovers.
Can I freeze dump cake?
Yes. Cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.
Can I use regular pie filling?
Yes, but the dessert will no longer be sugar-free. Use sugar-free strawberry pie filling to keep the recipe lower in sugar.
Why is my topping not browning?
Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix and that the oven is fully preheated. You can also bake a few minutes longer if needed.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. Vanilla, white, or even yellow cake mix can work. Vanilla cake mix gives a classic, sweet flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake works because the strawberry filling and fresh strawberries create a sweet, juicy base while the cream cheese layer adds tangy richness. The cake mix and butter form a golden, crumbly topping that balances the soft layers underneath.
It is simple, comforting, and perfect for anyone who wants an easy dessert with minimal effort. For a warm, bubbly, crowd-pleasing treat, this dump cake is a delicious choice.
Print
Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a warm, gooey, one-pan dessert made with sugar-free strawberry pie filling, fresh strawberries, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a buttery golden cake-mix topping. With about 10 minutes of prep and no complicated mixing, it is an easy dessert for potlucks, summer gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy family nights. Serve it warm with sugar-free whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Base
- 2 cans (21 oz each) sugar-free strawberry pie filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Sugar-Free Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream, optional
Cake Topping
- 1 box (about 15 oz) sugar-free vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar-free sweetener, optional, for dusting
For Serving, Optional
- Sugar-free whipped cream
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream
- Extra fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the sugar-free strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the pie filling.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar-free sweetener, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream, if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer. Gently spread or swirl it across the surface without fully mixing it into the strawberries.
- Sprinkle the dry sugar-free vanilla cake mix evenly over the entire surface. Do not stir.
- Arrange the very cold, thinly sliced butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. The center may still look slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the dump cake rest for 10–15 minutes so the filling can thicken slightly.
- Serve warm with sugar-free whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream. Garnish with extra fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest cheesecake layer.
- Keep the butter very cold and slice it thinly so it melts evenly over the cake mix.
- Do not stir the layers together before baking; layering is essential to achieving the cobbler-like texture.
- Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix to prevent dry or powdery spots.
- Let the dessert rest for 10–15 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
- For a mixed-berry variation, replace half of the strawberries with fresh blueberries.
- For a raspberry version, substitute fresh raspberries for the strawberries.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a brighter flavor.
- A pinch of cinnamon over the strawberry layer adds a warm spice note.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warm.
- The topping will soften during refrigeration. Oven reheating will help restore some crispness.
- To freeze, cool completely, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.
- Nutrition information is approximate and will vary according to the specific brands of sugar-free cake mix, pie filling, sweetener, cream cheese, and other ingredients used.
- For a strictly sugar-free recipe, verify that every packaged ingredient, including the pie filling, cake mix, sweetener, and toppings, is labeled appropriately for your dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 265 per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake