Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious Dessert

📝 Introduction

Strawberry dump cake has become one of my go-to recipes when I want to whip up a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal effort. On Donald Recipes, I love sharing treats like this because they blend comfort, simplicity, and rich flavor — and this cake is no exception.

The dump cake technique rose to fame in the United States back in the 1960s. It was promoted as a convenient “mix & bake” dessert, ideal for busy families. Through the years, many creative versions of the dump cake have evolved. The precise origins of the strawberry variation remain unclear. However, during the late 1970s, strawberries became a favored seasonal ingredient as home cooks experimented with different fruit combinations.

Today, this humble dessert is beloved worldwide. It offers the nostalgic charm of vintage recipes combined with the bright, fresh flavors of strawberries.

🌍 Who Loves Strawberry Dump Cake the Most?

This simple yet delicious dessert has transcended borders. Here are the top 10 populations that enjoy strawberry dump cake the most:

1️⃣ 🇺🇸 United States
2️⃣ 🇨🇦 Canada
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
4️⃣ 🇦🇺 Australia
5️⃣ 🇳🇿 New Zealand
6️⃣ 🇩🇪 Germany
7️⃣ 🇵🇭 Philippines
8️⃣ 🇯🇵 Japan
9️⃣ 🇰🇷 South Korea
🔟 🇲🇽 Mexico

Whether you’re in Texas preparing it for a family barbecue or in Tokyo serving it for a cozy brunch, this easy strawberry dump cake fits perfectly into any gathering.

Excited to discover how to create this delectable dessert? 🍓 Let’s dive in!

5-Star Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe You’ll Love (So Easy!)

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make the best Strawberry Dump Cake! Easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Simple step-by-step guide and helpful tips included.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
• Optional: 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• Optional: 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

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Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assembling the Cake

1. Pour strawberry pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. If using, add fresh strawberry slices and cream cheese cubes.
3. Sprinkle vanilla cake mix evenly over the top of the fruit layer.

Baking the Cake

1. Arrange sliced butter evenly on top of the dry cake mix.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

🛒 What You’ll Need

Creating this easy strawberry dump cake requires only a few basic ingredients and tools. That’s what makes it such a favorite on my site, Donald Recipes. When you’re short on time but still want a dessert that impresses, this one fits the bill perfectly. 🍓✨

🍽️ Essential Equipment

You won’t need fancy gadgets — just kitchen basics:

• 9×13-inch baking dish — Perfect size for even baking and layering.
• Mixing bowl — Optional, for prepping fresh ingredients.
• Measuring cups — For butter and any optional add-ins.
• Spatula or spoon — For spreading and serving.

🛍️ Pantry Staples

Here’s what I always keep on hand for this recipe:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz) — A versatile base that lets the strawberries shine.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, sliced) — Melts into the cake mix, creating a rich, buttery topping.

🍓 Fresh Ingredients

To make your dump cake extra special:

• 2 cans strawberry pie filling (21 oz each) — Sweet and vibrant, this is the heart of the dessert.
• Optional: 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced — For brightness and a pop of fresh flavor.
• Optional: 8 oz cream cheese, cubed — Adds a creamy, decadent layer.

If you enjoy simple recipes that deliver big flavor, you’ll also love my Butter Swim Biscuits. They pair wonderfully with this dump cake for a comforting weekend brunch or a potluck spread.

🥣 Ingredients

One reason I enjoy sharing this strawberry dump cake is because of how wonderfully simple it is. The ingredient list is short, and the steps are practically foolproof — perfect for novice bakers or anyone craving a quick dessert. 🍓💫

You’ll be amazed at how these few items come together to create a bubbly, golden treat.

🎂 Core Ingredients

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this delightful dessert:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling — Sweet, fruity, and ready to use right out of the can.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix — No need to prepare the batter — just sprinkle it on top.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced — Helps create that signature crispy, buttery topping.

🍓 Optional Additions

Looking to add even more flavor and texture to your cake? Consider these:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced — Adds a fresh, juicy layer.
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed — melts to create luscious pockets of creamy goodness

If you’re looking for another crowd-friendly dessert, my Blueberry Cloud Jello Salad is a light, fruity option that complements this dump cake beautifully — especially for summer picnics or family gatherings.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Whipping up this easy strawberry dump cake is as simple as it gets! That’s why it’s a recipe I often recommend to beginners or anyone short on time. The secret is in the layering — no mixing required. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a bubbly, golden dessert in under an hour. 🍓✨

🔪 Preparation Steps

Take a moment to get your kitchen ready before diving in:

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F — getting the temperature right ensures the perfect bake.
2️⃣Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray — this simple step ensures effortless serving and easy cleanup.

🍓 Assembling the Cake

Time for the fun step — layering all your ingredients:

1️⃣Spread the strawberry pie filling in an even layer across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
2️⃣ If using, add fresh strawberry slices and cream cheese cubes on top of the filling — this adds texture and creaminess.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the vanilla cake mix evenly over the fruit layer — resist the urge to stir!

🧈 Baking the Cake

Almost there! The final step is all about creating that irresistible topping:

1️⃣ Arrange sliced butter evenly across the top of the dry cake mix — the butter will melt, combining with the cake mix to form a crisp, golden crust.
2️⃣ Bake for 45-50 minutes — or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
3️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving — this allows the layers to set for the best texture.

If you love simple oven-baked dishes, you’ll also enjoy my comforting Mississippi Mud Potatoes — another delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!

⏱️ Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

One of the best things about this strawberry dump cake recipe is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in under an hour. Perfect for those days when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all afternoon in the kitchen! 🍓⏳

🕐 Time Breakdown

Here’s exactly what to expect:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes — Just layer the ingredients, no mixing needed.
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes — The oven does all the hard work here.
• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes from start to finish.

This quick turnaround makes strawberry dump cake ideal for last-minute get-togethers, family dinners, or when you’re hosting friends for a casual dessert night. For another easy option that fits into busy schedules, try my fun and creative Muffin Tin Sushi Cups — a great savory dish to pair with your sweet treats!

🥗 Nutrition Score (per serving, estimated)

Curious about the nutritional details of this strawberry dump cake? While it’s definitely an indulgent treat, I believe dessert should be about balance and enjoyment. 🍓✨

Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 8-10 servings). Keep in mind that values can vary depending on brand of ingredients used and optional add-ins like cream cheese or fresh strawberries.

📋 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 15 oz
• Saturated Fat: 9 oz
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Carbohydrates: 45 oz
• Fiber: 1 oz
• Sugar: 28 oz
• Protein: 3 oz

If you’re looking for lighter recipe ideas to pair with this dessert, my Roasted Tofu Grain Bowls with Miso Tahini Sauce are a great option — full of wholesome ingredients and big flavors.

🍴 Serving & Storage

Once your strawberry dump cake is fresh out of the oven, the possibilities for serving are endless. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, this dessert delivers big on flavor with very little effort. Plus, it stores beautifully — making it perfect for leftovers (if you have any!). 🍓🎂

🍰 How to Serve

I love serving this delightful cake in a variety of ways:

• Enjoy it warm, topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream — the delicious contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!
• Enjoy chilled — straight from the fridge for a refreshing summertime dessert.
• Top with whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries for extra flair at parties or potlucks.

For a delicious savory option to pair with this sweet treat, you might enjoy my Chopped Italian Sandwich — easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or casual lunches.

🎭 Variations

One of my favorite things about this strawberry dump cake recipe is how versatile it is. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, it’s fun to play around with flavors and textures. Whether you want to add a citrus twist, a decadent layer, or a tropical flair — the possibilities are endless! 🍓✨

🍋 Flavor Twists

• Add lemon zest — A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest into the strawberry filling brightens the flavor and adds a subtle tartness.
• Mix in a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract with the filling for a more complex flavor profile.

🥥 Topping Ideas

• Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake mix before baking — this adds a lovely chewy texture and tropical vibe.
• Add crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy contrast to the soft fruit filling.

🍫 Extra Decadence

• White chocolate chips sprinkled over the cake mix create melty pockets of sweetness.
• For a creamier version, swirl cream cheese directly into the strawberry filling layer.

If you love exploring unique flavors, you might also enjoy my refreshing Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango — another dessert that’s easy to customize and perfect for summer gatherings.

🏁 Conclusion

Strawberry dump cake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that has earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection on Donald Recipes. 🍓✨ It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, summer picnics, or any time you want something sweet with minimal effort.

With its nostalgic flavor, buttery topping, and customizable options, it’s no wonder this dessert remains a favorite worldwide. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both savory mains and light salads — try it after serving my Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash for a delightful brunch combo.

🎉 Why You’ll Love It

✅ Minimal prep — just layer and bake.
✅ Customizable with endless variations.
✅ Make-ahead friendly — flavors improve overnight.
✅ Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Now that you know how to make the best strawberry dump cake, I hope you give it a try soon — and enjoy every single bite! 🍓💛

If you’re looking for even more easy dessert ideas, don’t miss my fun Cloud Eggs Recipe — another creative dish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.