Spread the sliced strawberries evenly in a greased baking dish. If using frozen berries, let them thaw a bit so they release some juice.

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the strawberries.

Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir. Let it sit as a layer.

Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.

Bake until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The strawberries will soften and the cheesecake layer will become creamy.

Let it cool slightly before serving.

Scoop it warm so you get the strawberries, cheesecake, and buttery topping all together.