5-Ingredient Baked Strawberry Dump Dessert
Description
This 5-Ingredient Baked Strawberry Dump Dessert is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. With juicy strawberries, sweet cake mix, rich butter, and just a few pantry staples, this recipe transforms into a warm, bubbly dessert with a golden, buttery topping that’s crisp on the outside and soft underneath. The strawberries become beautifully jammy as they bake, creating a delicious contrast with the tender cake layer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a quick dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Since there’s no complicated mixing or fancy equipment required, even beginner bakers can make it successfully. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an irresistible treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (15.25 oz) box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Optional Garnish
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Mint leaves
- Powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Add the Strawberries
Spread the sliced strawberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the berries and drizzle with vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the strawberries. Do not stir or mix. Make sure the fruit is completely covered.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. This helps create a golden, crispy topping during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Remove the dessert from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken slightly before serving.
Step 7: Garnish
Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of buttery cake topping and sweet, juicy strawberries.
Tips & Notes
- Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can be used without thawing.
- Cover any dry cake mix spots with a little extra melted butter before baking.
- Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Q&A
Can I use canned strawberry pie filling?
Yes. Replace the fresh strawberries with two cans of strawberry pie filling for an even quicker version.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely. White, butter, lemon, or strawberry cake mix all work wonderfully.
Do I need to mix the ingredients?
No. A dump dessert is designed so the layers remain separate before baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the dessert earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving for the best texture.
Servings
- Serves: 8
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 290mg