1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the cake layers bake evenly.

2. Make the Cheesecake Mixture

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat for about two minutes or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This layer adds a creamy texture to the cake, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer

In a separate bowl, combine the canned strawberry pie filling with the thawed and drained frozen strawberries. Gently fold them together to distribute the fruit evenly. The combination of canned and frozen strawberries provides both a rich flavor and a fresh fruit texture.

4. Layer the Ingredients

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries, then use a knife to gently swirl it into the strawberry layer. Be careful not to overmix—swirling creates a marbled effect that enhances both the texture and appearance.

5. Add the Cake Mix and Butter

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the layers. Make sure it covers the entire surface. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar over the cake mix. The brown sugar helps with caramelization, creating a rich, golden topping.

Grate the cold butter using a cheese grater with large holes, then distribute it evenly across the cake mix. If preferred, slice the butter into thin pieces instead and place them evenly over the top. The grated butter method ensures more even coverage, leading to a perfectly crisp and golden topping.

6. Bake the Cake

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. This two-step baking process helps achieve an even texture without overbrowning the top too quickly.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve. The cake can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on preference. Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for an elegant touch.