If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, strawberry dump cakes are the perfect choice. They require minimal effort, no complicated mixing, and deliver maximum flavor. All you do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The result is a warm, bubbly, fruit-filled dessert with a golden cake topping that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
In this guide, I’ll share 5 strawberry dump cake recipes that range from classic and simple to creative variations with cream cheese, chocolate, and more. Whether you need a last-minute potluck dessert or a weekend treat, you’ll find a recipe here to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What is a Strawberry Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a classic American dessert that’s somewhere between a cobbler and a cake. Unlike traditional cakes, there’s no mixing or creaming butter and sugar. Instead, you “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish — usually fruit filling, cake mix, and butter — then bake until golden and bubbly.
The beauty of a strawberry dump cake lies in its simplicity. You can use fresh strawberries, frozen berries, or even canned strawberry pie filling. Add a box of yellow or white cake mix, drizzle with melted butter, and that’s it. It’s practically foolproof.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Dump Cake
Before we dive into the 5 strawberry dump cake recipes, here are a few helpful tips:
- Choose your fruit wisely: Fresh strawberries add a bright, tart flavor, while pie filling gives a sweeter, jam-like texture.
- Butter matters: Use real butter instead of margarine for the richest flavor. Cold, thinly sliced butter works best to cover the cake mix evenly.
- Add texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or oats on top for crunch.
- Serve warm: Strawberry dump cake tastes best fresh out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
5 Strawberry Dump Cake Recipes
Now let’s dig into five delicious ways to make this easy dessert.
1. Classic Strawberry Dump Cake
This is the recipe most people think of when they hear “dump cake.” Just three ingredients, one pan, and pure strawberry goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread strawberry pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries.
- Place thin slices of butter across the top, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It: Simple, quick, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
2. Fresh Strawberry Dump Cake
If you have fresh strawberries on hand, this version brings a bright, juicy taste.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 box white cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, then spread them in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top, covering as much as possible.
- Bake 40–50 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm with fresh whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It: Fresh strawberries make this cake less sweet and more fruit-forward.
3. Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This creamy twist combines strawberries with rich cream cheese for an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans strawberry pie filling
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread strawberry pie filling in a baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then dollop over the filling.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly on top.
- Cover with sliced butter.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden and creamy.
Why You’ll Love It: Tastes like strawberry cheesecake in dump cake form.
4. Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake
Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven. This recipe is rich, fruity, and decadent.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans strawberry pie filling
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread strawberry filling in a 9×13 dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate cake mix evenly over it.
- Top with slices of butter and chocolate chips.
- Bake for 40 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It: A dessert that tastes like chocolate-covered strawberries.
5. Strawberry Pineapple Dump Cake
For a tropical twist, pineapple adds a tangy sweetness that balances perfectly with strawberries.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, sliced
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread pineapple in the bottom of the dish, followed by strawberry filling.
- Sprinkle cake mix on top.
- Add sliced butter and coconut if using.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Why You’ll Love It: A fruity, tropical take on a classic dump cake.
Serving Ideas for Strawberry Dump Cake
- Classic style: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Summer dessert: Pair with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries.
- Holiday treat: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Brunch favorite: Serve small squares with coffee or tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked dump cake in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- Make-ahead: Assemble ingredients (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.
Final Thoughts on 5 Strawberry Dump Cake Recipes
These 5 strawberry dump cake recipes prove that you don’t need complicated techniques to make a delicious dessert. Whether you stick with the classic, try a cheesecake-inspired version, or add tropical pineapple, each recipe brings out the best of sweet strawberries.
Dump cakes are perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a quick homemade treat. With just a few pantry staples and fresh or canned fruit, you’ll have a dessert that everyone will ask for again and again.
So grab your cake mix and strawberries — it’s time to bake one of these irresistible dump cakes!