1. **Prepare the Oven and Dish**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure an easy release later.

2. **Layer the Ingredients**: Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. This vibrant red layer is the heart of the cake, reminding me of the strawberry picking adventures with Ouma.

3. **Create the Cheesecake Mixture**: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls over the strawberry layer, then gently spread to cover. This creamy layer is like the comforting hugs Mama Lou was so generous with.

4. **Add the Cake Mix**: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This step is where the magic begins, as the cake mix transforms into a golden crust, much like the sun-kissed days of my youth.

5. **Top with Butter**: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. The butter will seep through, creating a luscious, crumbly topping that is simply irresistible.

6. **Bake**: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The wait is always the hardest part, but the scent that fills your home is worth every minute.

7. **Cool and Serve**: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. As we would gather around the table, the first taste was always a moment of shared delight.