Best Strawberry Dump Cake (Quick Dessert for a Crowd)

This strawberry dump cake is a baked dessert made in a 9×13-inch pan. Strawberries form the fruit layer, and a cake-mix-and-butter topping bakes into a crumbly, golden crust. It works with fresh or frozen strawberries and is often served warm with vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients

• Cake mix: 12 oz (340 g)
• Strawberries: 5 cups (about 750 g), chopped
• Butter, melted: 1 cup (225 g)
• Brown sugar: ¼ cup (50 g), packed
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (5 mL)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 380°F (193°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter.
3. Chop the strawberries. In a bowl, mix strawberries with brown sugar and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
5. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Storage Advice

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
• Room temperature: Refrigerate within 2 hours for food safety.
• Freeze: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Microwave a slice for 20 to 40 seconds. For a crisper topping, reheat in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh strawberries: Use ripe berries for better flavor. If berries are tart, add 1 to 2 tablespoons (12 to 25 g) extra brown sugar.
• Frozen strawberries: Thaw and drain before using to reduce excess liquid.
• Avoid dry topping: Mix the butter into the cake mix until evenly crumbly. If dry patches remain on top, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) melted butter over those spots before baking.
• Let it rest: Cooling for 10 to 15 minutes helps the fruit thicken and the topping set.
• Cake mix options: Yellow, white, or vanilla cake mix all work.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a baked dessert made by layering fruit and a cake mix topping in a baking dish. The fruit cooks down and the topping turns golden.

Do you have to mix dump cake?
Many versions do not mix. This recipe mixes the cake mix with melted butter first to reduce dry patches and create a more even crumble topping.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first so the dessert does not turn watery.

Why is my topping powdery?
The butter was not evenly mixed into the cake mix or there were dry spots on top. Mix until crumbly and drizzle a little extra melted butter over dry areas before baking.

Why is my dump cake soggy?
Excess liquid from the fruit can soften the topping. Thaw and drain frozen strawberries and let the cake rest after baking so the juices thicken.

Can I make strawberry dump cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to warm it and improve the topping texture.

How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden and the fruit should be bubbling at the edges. If the center still looks pale, bake 5 to 10 minutes longer.