Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and ingredients but delivering maximum flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries and a cake-like topping results in a mouthwatering dessert with just the right balance of texture—tender fruit with a crisp, buttery crumble. Whether you use fresh or frozen strawberries, this dessert is perfect year-round, making it a versatile choice for every season. It’s perfect for those who want a quick and indulgent dessert with little preparation!

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
1 can (15 oz) strawberry pie filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (optional for extra fruit)
1/4 cup sugar (optional, if you prefer a sweeter filling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. If you’re using fresh or frozen strawberries, scatter them on top of the pie filling.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries. Do not stir—just spread it out as evenly as possible.
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering it as evenly as possible. It’s okay if some spots are not fully covered; the butter will melt and create a buttery, crisp topping while baking.
Optional: Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar over the top if you want a sweeter topping.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10
Total Time: 45-50 minutes (includes baking time)

Variations

Fruit variations: You can substitute the strawberry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings, such as cherry, blueberry, or peach, for a different flavor.
Topping additions: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds over the cake mix before baking.
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter or a vegan butter substitute to make this dessert dairy-free.
Crispier topping: If you like a more crispy topping, use a bit more butter or even sprinkle some oatmeal over the cake mix before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the dump cake to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries. If using fresh strawberries, mix them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a thicker filling similar to pie filling.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dump cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat it before serving for a warm, comforting dessert.

3. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works best, you can try other cake mix flavors like vanilla, white, or even chocolate for a unique twist.

4. Can I add other fruits?

Yes! Feel free to mix in other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a more complex flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level if needed.

5. Can I make this dessert in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller baking dish, but be sure to reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the topping for doneness.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just be sure to check that the pie filling is also gluten-free.

7. Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Yes, you can use different types of fruit pie fillings like peach, blueberry, or apple for a different flavor profile. Just swap them out in place of the strawberry pie filling.

8. Do I need to mix the cake mix with anything before sprinkling it?

No, you don’t need to mix the cake mix with anything. Just sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the fruit filling before adding the butter.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover strawberry dump cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

10. Can I serve this warm with ice cream?

Yes, this cake is amazing when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!

Conclusion

Strawberry Dump Cake is an incredibly easy and delicious dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. The combination of sweet strawberries and a golden, buttery cake topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a party, or just a cozy treat at home, this dump cake is a versatile and simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the fresh, fruity goodness of this dessert, and feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations to make it your own!