Name: Strawberry Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling; 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix; 3/4 cup cold butter, sliced into thin pats; Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the pan; Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

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This Strawberry Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something sweet, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and almost no prep work, this cake bakes into a warm, buttery dessert filled with rich strawberry flavor. The bubbling fruit filling and golden cake topping create a texture similar to a cobbler, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Requires only a handful of simple ingredients
Perfect for beginner bakers
No complicated mixing or special equipment needed
Deliciously buttery and fruity
Ready in about an hour
Easy to customize with different cake mix flavors
Tastes amazing served warm with vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

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

1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
3/4 cup cold butter, sliced into thin pats
Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the pan
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom using a spoon or spatula.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the strawberry filling. Make sure the filling is completely covered with the cake mix.
Arrange the thin slices of cold butter evenly across the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible so the topping bakes evenly.
Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra delicious dessert.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 to 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 to 60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

Swap the yellow cake mix with strawberry cake mix for a stronger berry flavor.
Use white cake mix for a lighter and sweeter taste.
Add fresh sliced strawberries to the pie filling for extra texture.
Mix in blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry dump cake.
Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Strawberry Dump Cake in an airtight container or tightly covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, place a serving in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds until warm. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F for about 10 to 15 minutes.

For best texture and flavor, serve warm after reheating with fresh ice cream or whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but the dessert may not be as syrupy. Mixing the berries with a little sugar can help create more juice while baking.

Do I need to mix the cake mix with anything first?

No, the dry cake mix is sprinkled directly over the fruit filling without mixing.

Why is my dump cake still powdery on top?

This usually happens if the butter does not fully cover the cake mix. Try spreading the butter more evenly next time.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a few hours ahead and reheat before serving.

What type of butter works best?

Cold unsalted butter works best because it melts slowly and evenly during baking.

Can I freeze Strawberry Dump Cake?

Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh strawberries pair perfectly with this dessert.

Can I use another fruit filling?

Absolutely. Cherry, blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling all work well in this recipe.

Is this dessert supposed to be gooey?

Yes, dump cakes have a soft, warm, cobbler-like texture with bubbling fruit underneath.

Can I make this in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, but the baking time may change slightly depending on the depth of the dish.

Conclusion

Strawberry Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make while still delivering incredible flavor and comfort. With its buttery topping and sweet strawberry filling, this simple dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or casual weekend treat, it’s a reliable recipe that comes together quickly and tastes wonderful every time.