Easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Dump Cake: The Ultimate No-Fuss Dessert

Craving a delightful dessert but short on time and ingredients? Look no further than this incredibly easy 3-ingredient strawberry dump cake recipe! It’s the ultimate no-fuss dessert that comes together with minimal effort, using just a box of yellow cake mix, two cans of luscious strawberry pie filling, and a touch of butter. The result is a warm, bubbly, and wonderfully sweet cake-like cobbler that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cool whip for an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Exactly is a Dump Cake? The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make

Dump cake recipes are celebrated for being the epitome of no-fuss desserts, and for good reason! The name “dump cake” literally comes from the method of preparing it: you simply “dump” all the ingredients into a baking pan without the need for extensive measuring, multiple mixing bowls, or a hand mixer. There’s no complex layering, no creaming butter and sugar, and no sifting flour. You just assemble and bake! This straightforward approach makes dump cakes truly the easiest recipes, ideal for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you just want a sweet treat without all the usual baking fuss. They offer a delightful dessert experience with minimal cleanup, making them a favorite among home bakers of all skill levels.

Just like our popular rhubarb dump cake, lemon blueberry dump cake, blackberry dump cake, and apple dump cake, this easy strawberry dump cake recipe comes together in mere minutes. It’s the perfect quick dessert when you’re craving something sweet, providing a satisfying, homemade taste with almost no effort.

Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Dump Cake

This delicious dessert tastes remarkably similar to a strawberry cobbler, but with significantly less work. Its simple yet divine flavor profile makes it a standout. Here are a few reasons why this strawberry dump cake will quickly become a beloved family favorite:

• Effortless Preparation: With only three ingredients and a “dump and bake” method, it’s one of the easiest desserts you can make. Perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and tangy strawberry pie filling combined with the buttery cake topping creates a comforting and delicious experience, reminiscent of a homemade fruit cobbler.
• Minimal Cleanup: No messy mixing bowls or extensive kitchen tools needed, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying!
• Versatile Serving: Fantastic on its own, but truly shines when served warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even fresh strawberries.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its simple appeal and delicious taste make it a hit at potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cake mixes, pie fillings, or added toppings to suit any preference (more on variations below!).

Give this easy strawberry dump cake recipe a try, and I’d bet it will become one of your family favorites, too!

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Dump Cake

This dessert relies on just three core ingredients, making it incredibly accessible. Here are a few notes and substitution options to ensure your dump cake is perfect every time.

• Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix forms the delicious, crumbly topping. While yellow cake mix provides a classic flavor, you can certainly experiment! A box of white cake mix or vanilla cake mix would work wonderfully, too. For an extra boost of strawberry flavor, consider using a strawberry cake mix. The key is to use the dry cake mix straight from the box—do not prepare it according to the package directions.
• Strawberry Pie Filling: You will need two standard 21-ounce cans of strawberry pie filling. This provides the juicy, fruity base for your dump cake. I typically use store-bought cans for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have some extra time, homemade strawberry pie filling would make this dessert even more special. Be sure to use pie filling and not just canned strawberries in syrup, as the filling has the necessary thickness to create that perfect gooey texture.
• Butter: Approximately ¾ cup (or 1 ½ sticks) of melted butter is crucial for creating the cake’s signature golden, crisp topping. Both unsalted or salted butter work well for this recipe; just be aware that salted butter will add a subtle salty contrast that some people enjoy. Melting the butter ensures even distribution over the dry cake mix, allowing it to absorb and bake into a delightful crust.

Optional Enhancements and Toppings

• Fresh Strawberries: While the pie filling is the star, a handful of fresh sliced strawberries stirred into the filling or sprinkled on top before baking can add a burst of fresh fruit flavor and texture.
• Nuts: For added crunch and a nutty flavor, sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before drizzling with butter.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, cozy note to your dump cake, especially if you’re looking for a more autumnal twist.

How to Make the Easiest Strawberry Dump Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready for the simplest dessert preparation ever! This section provides clear, step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you. For the full printable recipe, complete with precise measurements and nutritional information, please see the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this post.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.

Step 2: Lay the Strawberry Foundation
Open your two cans of strawberry pie filling and carefully spoon them into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the entire bottom of the pan. This layer will become the wonderfully gooey and fruity base of your cake.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly on top of the strawberry pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pie filling. Resist the urge to stir! The “dump” method means no mixing, allowing the layers to work their magic in the oven.

Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the top of the dry cake mix. Try your best to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. Don’t worry if there are a few small dry spots remaining; the butter will spread as it melts further in the oven, and these spots often add a nice rustic texture. This butter layer is essential for creating that golden, crunchy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and the strawberry filling around the edges is visibly bubbly. The cake will be tender underneath with a slightly crisp, buttery topping. You can insert a thin knife or skewer into the cake part to check for doneness; it should come out mostly clean.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Strawberry Dump Cake

Dump cakes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. While they can be served cold, my family (and many others!) has always preferred them warm. The warmth enhances the fruit flavor and makes the cake topping wonderfully soft and buttery.

• À La Mode: The absolute classic way to enjoy this delicious strawberry dessert is with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm cake. Other complementary ice cream flavors include strawberry, chocolate, or even a simple butter pecan.
• Whipped Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream or cool whip whipped topping adds a light, airy touch and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich cake.
• Fresh Fruit: Enhance the strawberry theme by garnishing with fresh sliced strawberries. A few fresh blueberries or raspberries can also add a pop of color and complementary tartness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings over the top before serving adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans can provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Simple & Sweet: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy it is simply as-is, letting the pure strawberry and cake flavors shine through.

How to Store and Reheat Your Dump Cake

One of the many advantages of this strawberry dump cake is how well it stores, meaning you can enjoy leftovers for days or even prepare it ahead of time.

• Refrigerator Storage: To keep your dump cake fresh, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer any remaining cake to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: For extended storage, dump cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, you can either freeze the entire cake in its baking dish (if freezer-safe and tightly wrapped) or portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Wrap it thoroughly to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can make the cake tough.
  • Oven: To reheat a larger portion or the entire cake, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the topping from drying out, and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

  Alternatively, many people enjoy dump cake cold straight from the fridge, especially on a hot day. It’s truly delicious either way!

Delightful Variations to Explore

The beauty of dump cakes lies in their adaptability. Once you master the basic strawberry version, you’ll find endless possibilities for customization. Here are some exciting variations to inspire your next dump cake creation:

• Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake: For a decadent twist, simply swap the yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate cake mix. The combination of chocolate and strawberry is a classic for a reason!
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Elevate your dump cake by adding dollops of softened cream cheese over the strawberry filling before sprinkling with the cake mix and butter. The cream cheese melts into creamy pockets, mimicking a cheesecake swirl.
• Very Strawberry Dump Cake: If you’re a true strawberry enthusiast, use a strawberry-flavored cake mix instead of yellow for a double dose of sweet, fruity flavor.
• Peach Dump Cake: Easily switch up the fruit! Substitute the strawberry pie filling for two cans of sliced peaches in syrup (drained or undrained, depending on how juicy you like it) for a classic peach cobbler-like dessert. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg here.
• Berry Medley Dump Cake: Can’t decide on one berry? Use a combination of strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry pie fillings for a vibrant and flavorful dessert.
• Tropical Dump Cake: Transport yourself to a sunny paradise by using pineapple pie filling (or crushed pineapple with a little cornstarch to thicken) and a coconut cake mix. You can even sprinkle some shredded coconut on top before baking.
• Nutty Topping: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle about ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake mix layer before adding the melted butter. This creates a delightful crunch.
• Spiced Apple Dump Cake: Replace strawberry filling with apple pie filling and add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cake mix or over the butter for a warm, comforting dessert, especially perfect for fall.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

While dump cakes are inherently simple, a few tips can help ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Stir! This is the golden rule of dump cakes. The magic happens when the layers bake undisturbed, allowing the cake mix to absorb the butter and fruit juices, creating a distinct cakey-cobbler topping.
• Even Butter Distribution: While a few dry spots are okay, try to drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the cake mix. This ensures a consistent golden, crispy crust. If using cold butter pats, arrange them closely together.
• Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature. This ensures even baking from the moment the cake enters the oven.
• Choose the Right Pan: A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, allowing for a good balance of fruit to cake topping.
• Watch for Doneness: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges as primary indicators that your dump cake is ready.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: While best served warm, allowing the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Strawberry Pie Filling Dump Cake

More Delicious Strawberry Desserts to Explore

If you loved this strawberry dump cake, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic strawberry-themed recipes:

• Strawberry Fluff Salad – an incredibly easy no-bake dessert, perfect for potlucks!
• Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies – quick, chewy cookies bursting with strawberry flavor.
• Old-fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Salad – a classic sweet and salty layered treat.
• Strawberry Jello Pie – an effortlessly simple pie with only 4 ingredients!
• No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake – creamy, cool, and perfect for warm weather.

This Strawberry Dump Cake truly embodies the joy of simple baking. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dessert that tastes wonderfully homemade and satisfies any sweet craving. It’s an ideal choice for busy families, unexpected guests, or just a treat-yourself moment. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe; it’s guaranteed to impress with its ease and delicious flavor!