Strawberry Dump Cake: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make!
Strawberry dump cake. The name itself might not sound incredibly appealing, but trust me, this dessert is a game-changer. It’s ridiculously easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that will disappear in minutes, look no further. This strawberry dump cake recipe is your answer.
Why This Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe Works
So, what’s the secret to this easy strawberry dump cake recipe? It’s all about the simplicity. There are no complicated steps, no precise measurements, and no special equipment needed. It’s practically foolproof. Here’s why it’s a winner:
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
* **Effortless Preparation:** Simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. Seriously, that’s it!
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use different fruits or cake mixes.
* **Delicious:** Despite its simplicity, the combination of strawberries, cake mix, and butter creates a surprisingly delicious and satisfying dessert.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Everyone loves a good cake, and this strawberry dump cake is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful strawberry dump cake:
* **1 box (15.25 ounces) Yellow Cake Mix:** You can also use white cake mix if you prefer a lighter flavor. However, yellow cake mix adds a nice richness.
* **1 can (21 ounces) Strawberry Pie Filling:** This is the star of the show! Make sure to use a good quality pie filling for the best flavor. You can also use fresh or frozen strawberries (see variations below).
* **1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter:** The butter adds moisture and richness to the cake. Make sure it’s cold and cut into thin pats or slices.
* **Optional: 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts):** For added texture and flavor. These are totally optional but highly recommended!
* **Optional: Vanilla Extract:** A teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor of the cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Let’s make this easy strawberry dump cake. Follow these simple steps:
**Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even baking. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking dish.
**Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish**
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.
**Step 3: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling**
Pour the entire can of strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Make sure the filling is distributed uniformly so that every bite is delicious.
**Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix**
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the strawberry pie filling. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible, covering the entire surface. Don’t mix or stir – just sprinkle it on top. Using a sifter can help distribute the cake mix evenly and prevent clumping.
**Step 5: Add the Nuts (Optional)**
If you’re using chopped nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the cake mix layer. Pecans and walnuts are both excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite type of nut.
**Step 6: Dot with Butter**
Evenly distribute the cold butter pats or slices over the cake mix and nut layer. This is a crucial step, as the melting butter will moisten the cake mix and create a delicious, buttery crust. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.
**Step 7: Bake!**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You can test the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
**Step 8: Cool and Serve**
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Dump Cake
While this recipe is incredibly easy, here are a few tips to ensure your strawberry dump cake turns out perfectly every time:
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky, crumbly topping. Make sure your butter is straight from the refrigerator and cut into thin pats or slices.
* **Even Distribution:** Ensure that the strawberry pie filling, cake mix, nuts (if using), and butter are evenly distributed across the baking dish. This will ensure that every bite is delicious and that the cake bakes evenly.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* **Let it Cool:** Allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving is important. This gives the filling time to set and prevents it from being too runny.
* **Serve with Toppings:** This strawberry dump cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with toppings. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Variations and Adaptations
One of the best things about this strawberry dump cake recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and adaptations you can try:
* **Different Fruits:** Instead of strawberry pie filling, try using other fruit pie fillings, such as cherry, blueberry, apple, or peach. You can also use fresh or frozen fruit. If using fresh or frozen fruit, toss it with a little sugar and cornstarch before adding it to the baking dish.
* **Different Cake Mixes:** Experiment with different cake mix flavors. Chocolate cake mix, spice cake mix, or even lemon cake mix would all be delicious with strawberry pie filling.
* **Add Spices:** A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add a warm, comforting flavor to the cake.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cake mix layer for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Coconut Flakes:** Add shredded coconut to the cake mix layer for a tropical twist.
* **Use a Different Size Pan:** While a 9×13 inch pan is ideal, you can also use an 8×8 inch pan for a thicker cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegan:** Use a vegan cake mix and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry dump cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that never disappoints. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, fruity cake perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to the cake.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
* **Fresh Berries:** Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.
* **Chocolate Sauce:** Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet and salty combination.
How to Store Leftover Strawberry Dump Cake
If you happen to have any leftover strawberry dump cake (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store it:
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Troubleshooting
Even with a simple recipe like this, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
* **Cake is Dry:** Make sure you’re using enough butter and that you’re not overbaking the cake. You can also add a little bit of milk or water to the cake mix to add more moisture.
* **Cake is Soggy:** Make sure you’re not using too much pie filling or fruit. You can also add a little bit of cornstarch to the fruit to help thicken it.
* **Cake is Not Cooking Evenly:** Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that the baking dish is placed in the center of the oven. You can also rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
* **Top is Burning:** If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe Card
**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) Yellow Cake Mix
* 1 can (21 ounces) Strawberry Pie Filling
* 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into thin pats or slices
* Optional: 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts)
* Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Pour the strawberry pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the strawberry pie filling. Do not stir.
5. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cake mix.
6. Evenly distribute the cold butter pats or slices over the cake mix and nut layer.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry dump cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!