Ingredients:

  • 42 oz Strawberry Pie Filling
  • 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 15.25 oz White or Yellow Cake Mix
  • 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter, very cold

Instructions:

  1. Spread the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract directly in the pan.
  2. In a small bowl, toss the chilled cream cheese cubes with powdered sugar and lemon zest. Press these cubes into the strawberry filling at even intervals.
  3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit and cheese layers.
  4. Use a box grater to grate the cold butter over the entire surface of the cake mix to ensure even hydration.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until the edges are deep mahogany, the center is bubbling, and the top is firm to the touch.