Now, it’s time to get fruity! I gently dollop the strawberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover it well. If you’re a strawberry lover like me, you might even add some fresh sliced strawberries for an extra burst of flavor. Finally, I sprinkle the remaining cake mix crumble over the top, which provides that satisfying crunchy texture everyone loves. Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes or until it’s golden brown and bubbling.
Once it’s out of the oven, the heavenly smell fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait for it to cool. I usually let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving it up. If you want to make it extra special, a dollop of whipped cream on top always puts a smile on my face. You can even sprinkle some fresh strawberries over the cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I learned while making this cake is to ensure the cream cheese is really softened. I usually take it out about an hour before I start the recipe to give it enough time to soften completely. This will help you achieve that smooth texture that you want for the cheesecake layer.
I also tested the recipe with different flavored pie fillings, and while strawberry is my favorite, cherry and blueberry were delightful as well. If you want to mix and match, feel free to experiment; just keep the ratios similar for the best results.
Lastly, I often use fresh fruit for added texture and flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, try using frozen berries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I made on my first try was not properly greasing the pan. I ended up with some of the cake stuck, which was heartbreaking after all the effort! So be sure to grease your baking dish well to avoid this issue.
Another mistake is using cold cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in the cheesecake layer, which is less than desirable. Make sure it’s softened, as I mentioned earlier!
Right after layering, I recommend not skipping the cooling step before digging in. I know it’s tempting to scoop it up right away, but allowing it to cool for a few minutes sets the layers nicely together. (See the next page below to continue…)