A 5-Minute Prep Dessert That Tastes Like Summer in Every Bite!
This Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Cake is the ultimate effortless dessert—layers of juicy strawberry pie filling, creamy cheesecake pockets, buttery cake crumble, and crunchy nuts bake into a warm, gooey masterpiece. Perfect for when you crave something decadent but don’t want to fuss!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Fruity Base:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling – The shortcut to sweet, jammy berries
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – Forms the crispy crumble topping
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened & cubed – Melts into luscious pockets
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Creates the golden crust
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances richness
Optional Crunch:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – For texture
To Serve (Optional):
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or use parchment for easy cleanup).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill cream cheese 10 mins before cubing for cleaner cuts.
2️⃣ Layer the Ingredients
- Spread pie filling evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top—do not stir!
- Dot with cream cheese cubes.
- Drizzle melted butter + vanilla evenly.
- Top with nuts (if using).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use a fork to gently press dry spots so butter soaks in.
3️⃣ Bake to Bubbly Perfection
- Bake 40–45 mins until golden brown and edges bubble.
- Cool 10–15 mins (filling will be molten hot!).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Rotate pan halfway for even browning.
4️⃣ Serve & Swoon!
- Scoop warm into bowls.
- Top with ice cream or whipped cream.
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh strawberries?
✅ Yes! Toss 4 cups sliced strawberries + ¼ cup sugar + 2 tbsp cornstarch and let sit 15 mins.
2. Why is my topping powdery?
- Butter didn’t cover all the cake mix (use a spoon to spread).
- Oven too hot (check with a thermometer).
3. Can I use other pie fillings?
✅ Yes! Try cherry, blueberry, or peach.
4. How do I store leftovers?
- Room temp: Up to 1 day (cover loosely).
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (reheat in microwave).
- Freeze: Up to 1 month (thaw & reheat).
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
✅ Yes! Cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours (no lid).
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Lemon Blueberry: Use lemon cake mix + blueberry pie filling.
- Apple Spice: Swap for spice cake mix + apple pie filling + caramel drizzle.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the cake mix.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use pre-cubed cream cheese (sold in some stores).
✔ Microwave the butter for faster melting.
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Summer BBQs
- Potluck desserts
- Weeknight treat
💬 Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Cake is unbelievably easy yet tastes like you spent hours baking! The juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake bites, and buttery crumb topping make it irresistible.
Warning: You’ll be asked to make this weekly! 😉🍓
Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇