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This strawberry dump cake is one of those easy desserts that never lets you down — sweet, juicy strawberries baked under a buttery, golden topping that’s crisp around the edges and soft in the center.

Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe you can throw together anytime. Whether you’re using fresh strawberries, frozen berries, or pie filling, this dump cake turns out delicious every time.

It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays — especially when you want something quick, crowd-pleasing, and full of bright strawberry flavor.

If you love easy dump cakes like this, be sure to try my Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake (this version was my mom’s favorite, and we had it more times than I can count for Sunday supper!), Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake, and Apple Dump Cake next. And if you’d like even more dessert inspiration, take a look at my full Cake Recipes collection.

Can I Use Fresh, Frozen, or Pie Filling?

Yes! This strawberry dump cake works beautifully with fresh strawberries, frozen berries, or strawberry pie filling—so you can make it year-round with whatever you have on hand.

Strawberry pie filling: The easiest and most reliable option. It creates a thick, sweet, jammy base and gives you that classic dump cake texture.
Fresh strawberries: These have the best flavor, but they release a lot of juice as they bake. For best results, toss them with a little sugar and a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
Frozen strawberries: Convenient and great when berries aren’t in season, but they also release extra liquid. Use them straight from frozen and add a little cornstarch to prevent a watery base.

If you want a thick, scoopable filling, pie filling is the most consistent. Fresh or frozen berries work beautifully too—you just need that extra step to help them set up properly. No matter which option you choose, the buttery cake topping bakes up perfectly golden every time.

Before You Begin

✨ Choose your strawberry base. This recipe works with fresh strawberries, frozen berries, or pie filling—use what you have and adjust sweetness if needed.

✨ Don’t stir the layers. Dump cakes work best when everything is layered, not mixed. This helps create that signature buttery, golden topping.

✨ Distribute the cake mix evenly. Sprinkle it in a thin, even layer so every bite gets that perfect balance of fruit and topping.

✨ Use enough butter. Make sure the top is well covered so it bakes up golden and crisp, not dry or powdery.

✨ Bake until deeply golden. The top should be lightly crisp and golden brown, with bubbling fruit around the edges—that’s how you know it’s ready.

STRAWBERRY DUMP CAKE INGREDIENTS

Only 3 ingredients!!!

Strawberry Pie Filling: The perfect convenience ingredient.

Cake Mix: You can make this strawberry dump cake with yellow, white, or strawberry cake mix.

Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter.

🥣 How to Make Strawberry Dump Cake

This is one of those desserts that couldn’t be easier. Start by spreading your strawberry base evenly in the baking dish—whether you’re using pie filling or prepared fresh/frozen berries.

Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix right over the top in an even layer. Don’t stir it in—this is what gives dump cakes their signature texture. Finish by adding the butter over the surface so it can melt into the topping as it bakes.

As it bakes, the fruit becomes soft and jammy while the top turns buttery and golden with lightly crisp edges. Let it cool just slightly before serving so the filling can set up a bit, then scoop and enjoy!

Pro Tips

⭐ Press the cake mix down lightly. After sprinkling the dry cake mix over the strawberry layer, gently press it down just a bit so it makes better contact with the fruit underneath.

⭐ Slice the butter for the best coverage. You can melt the butter and drizzle it over the top, but my favorite method is to chill it first and cut it into very thin, even slices. Layer the slices across the cake mix so you don’t end up with dry patches or heavy pools of butter.

Strawberry Dump Cake Variations

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake. For an easy cheesecake twist, add dollops or cubes of cream cheese over the strawberry layer before adding the cake mix. If you love that combination, take a look at my Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake too.

Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake. Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for a richer, more decadent version.

Strawberry Banana Dump Cake. Add a layer of thinly sliced bananas over the strawberry filling, then continue with the recipe as written.

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping will soften slightly as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Freezing

You can freeze strawberry dump cake, but the texture of the topping will be softer after thawing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead

You can assemble the dump cake a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Serving Recommendations

🍦 Classic Toppings

These are simple, but they make a huge difference.

Vanilla ice cream – The creamy, cold contrast is perfect with the warm, jammy cake.
Whipped cream – Light and fluffy, it lets the strawberry flavor shine.
Fresh strawberries – Adds a bright, fresh pop of flavor and makes the dessert feel a little more special.

More Dump Cake Recipes You’ll Love

If you love easy desserts like this, be sure to check out my full Dump Cake Recipes collection for even more simple, crowd-pleasing ideas.

Pumpkin Dump Cake – Rich, spiced, and layered with a creamy pumpkin filling under a buttery golden topping.
Blueberry Dump Cake – Sweet, juicy, and bursting with bright berry flavor under a buttery golden topping.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake – Rich, fudgy, and filled with sweet-tart cherry flavor under a buttery topping.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake – A cozy twist with soft cinnamon-spiced apples and rich caramel flavor.
Peach Dump Cake – Sweet, juicy, and full of sunny peach flavor under a buttery golden topping.
Cherry Dump Cake – Sweet, tart, and topped with a buttery golden crust that’s crisp around the edges.

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