If you love simple desserts that taste like a slice of heaven, this Sweet Simplicity: Easy Strawberry Dump Cake is calling your name. With just a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps, it’s the perfect dessert for busy days or last-minute cravings. Juicy strawberries bubble under a golden, buttery cake topping that’s crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft underneath. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it straight from the pan, this easy treat is sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Strawberry Dump Cake Will Be a Family Favorite:
- So easy to make: I love how simple this dessert is—just dump, bake, and enjoy! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Deliciously sweet and comforting: The juicy strawberries and buttery cake topping create the perfect balance of flavors that my whole family loves.
- Customizable for everyone: I can easily swap in different fruits or add a crunchy topping, making it versatile for all tastes and occasions.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 4 Pounds Strawberries (fresh, roughly chopped): Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert. They’re sweet, juicy, and full of flavor—just chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the strawberry juices, so your dessert isn’t runny.
- ½ Cup Sugar: This adds just enough sweetness to bring out the strawberries’ natural flavor.
Cake Mix Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Sugar: Adds sweetness to the buttery topping and helps create that golden crust.
- 2½ Cups Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake mix structure, so it bakes up just right.
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder: This makes the topping light and fluffy instead of heavy.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: A little salt balances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 3 Sticks Unsalted Butter (sliced): Butter is what makes this dessert magic! Slicing it helps it melt evenly, giving you a rich, golden crust.
HOW TO PREPARE STRAWBERRY DUMP CAKE?
Time needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Prep the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. - Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, cornstarch, and ½ cup of sugar. Toss until the strawberries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Mix the Cake Topping:
In another large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the top of the strawberries. - Add the Butter:
Place the slices of unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix layer, covering as much of the surface as possible. The butter will melt and create a delicious golden crust during baking. - Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges. - Cool and Serve:
Let the dump cake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, I’ve tried it! Just thaw them and drain any extra liquid before using.
I recommend chopping them into smaller pieces so they bake evenly and mix better with the cake topping.
Absolutely! I’ve done that when I was short on time. A vanilla or yellow cake mix works great.
Nope! That’s what I love about this recipe—just dump and layer everything.
SIMPLY SWEET STRAWBERRY DUMP CAKE RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Swap strawberries for other fruits: I’ve used blueberries, raspberries, and even peaches when I didn’t have strawberries. They all turned out delicious!
- Use store-bought cake mix: Sometimes when I’m short on time, I grab a box of vanilla or yellow cake mix instead of making the topping from scratch. It’s super convenient.
- Try brown sugar instead of white sugar: When I want a deeper, caramel-like flavor, I use brown sugar in the fruit filling or the cake mix. It gives the cake a cozy twist.
- Add a crunchy topping: I’ve sprinkled chopped pecans or slivered almonds over the butter slices before baking. It adds a nice crunchy texture.
- Make it gluten-free: I swapped the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and it worked just as well.
- Use flavored sparkling water: For a fun twist, I sometimes drizzle a tiny bit of lemon-lime soda or flavored sparkling water over the top before baking—it makes the crust extra bubbly and golden.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH BUTTERY STRAWBERRY DUMP CAKE?
Strawberry dump cake is great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a holiday meal, or a summer BBQ. I love serving it with drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or even a chilled glass of white wine for a special touch. It also pairs well with a simple side like a fresh salad or grilled veggies to balance the sweetness. It’s an easy dessert that’s always a hit with friends and family!
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER STRAWBERRY CAKE?
To store leftovers, I simply cover the strawberry dump cake with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If I want to reheat it, I pop it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to warm it through and keep the crust crispy. Alternatively, I can microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds, but the topping might lose some of its crunch. Either way, it still tastes just as delicious!
CAN LEFTOVER FRUIT-FILLED DUMP CAKE BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
Yes, leftover dump cake can be frozen for later! I usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. It’s a great way to save a delicious dessert for later!
LOOKING FOR MORE DESSERT OPTIONS? TRY THESE!
The Ultimate Butterscotch-Chocolate Chip Cookie: Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly balances the deep, caramelized sweetness of butterscotch with the classic, comforting taste of chocolate chips.
Simple Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars: Imagine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake combined with the juicy burst of fresh blueberries, all nestled under a buttery crumble topping.
Perfectly Gooey Neiman Marcus Butter Bars: With a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth and a golden, tender crust, these bars are a showstopper for any occasion.
Sweet Simplicity: Easy Strawberry Dump Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
Fruit Ingredients:
- 4 Pounds Strawberries (fresh)(roughly chopped)
- 2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- ½ Cup Sugar
Cake Mix Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 2½ Cups Flour
- 2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 3 Sticks Unsalted Butter (sliced)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, cornstarch, and ½ cup of sugar. Toss until the strawberries are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Mix the Cake Topping: In another large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the top of the strawberries.
- Add the Butter: Place the slices of unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix layer, covering as much of the surface as possible. The butter will melt and create a delicious golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dump cake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
