Ingredients
Fruit and Cheesecake Layer
2 cans (15 oz each) strawberry pie fillingCake mix
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cake Topping
1 box (about 15–16 oz) white, yellow, or vanilla cake mix
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Optional Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Powdered sugar dustingCream cheese products
White chocolate shavings
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish works best because it distributes heat evenly and allows you to visually track the bubbling of the filling along the edges.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Base
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread into a smooth, even layer using a spatula. This vibrant red fruit base creates a beautiful contrast that will show through the finished dessert.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, egg, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible lumps. This step ensures a silky layer that bakes evenly throughout the cake. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer and gently spread it without disturbing the fruit underneath too much.Cake topping ideas
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Open the dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cheesecake layer. It should cover the surface entirely, forming a blanket that will bake into a golden crisp topping. Do not stir. The dryness is intentional, as the butter will melt into it and transform it into a rich crust.
Step 5: Add Butter
Thinly slice cold butter and distribute the pieces across the top, ensuring as little of the dry cake mix is left exposed as possible. This encourages even browning and prevents pockets of dry mix after baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the dessert for 40–45 minutes, until the top becomes deeply golden and the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges. The center may appear slightly soft when removed from the oven, and that is completely normal. It will firm up as it cools.Baking supplies
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
