
This sweet and buttery strawberry dump cake recipe is made with a box of cake mix for a truly easy summer dessert. Made with just 3 ingredients and served warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s sure to become your new favorite!
Dump cakes are famously easy Check out more of my favorites like pumpkin dump cake, peach dump cake and caramel apple dump cake.
What Is A Dump Cake?
Dump cakes are a traditional American dessert They are named dump cakes because you don’t have to mix anything, just dump all the ingredients into a dish and bake They can be made with a variety of sweet and fruity fillings like strawberry pie filling for convenience Compotes can be used as well
Think of it like a cobbler This easy dessert consists of two layers, with the bottom layer being the fruit filling The top layer is a crisp and buttery cake topping, often made with dry cake mix and sliced or melted butter
Strawberry dump cake ingredients in order from top to bottom: cake mix, strawberry pie filling, butter.
Key Ingredients
- Strawberry Pie Filling: You can also use preserves or homemade compote, but it needs to be thickened
- Cake Mix: A box of vanilla, yellow or white cake mix all work great For extra strawberry flavor, you can also use a box of strawberry cake mix
How To Make Strawberry Dump Cake With Mix
- Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the baking dish with cooking spray
- Fill:
- Spread the pie filling in the baking dish and sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix on top Evenly place sliced butter as the final layer
- Bake:
- Pop it into the oven and bake until golden brown and with bubbly edges, about 45 minutes
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm with ice cream Enjoy

Chef’s Tips and Variations
Prepare Ahead: You can prepare this cake ahead, but do not bake Instead, wrap tightly with saran wrap or foil Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to a few hours, or store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours Bake as directed
Strawberry Apple: I often make this cake with a mixture of strawberries and apples in one Just swap one of the cans of strawberry pie filling for apple pie filling
Chocolate: If you love chocolate and strawberries, try using a chocolate cake mix on top instead Add a few chocolate chips and you will be in chocolate strawberry heaven
Add-ins: Sprinkle in half a cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut over the pie filling (and beneath the cake mix) You can also mix fresh berries into the canned filling for even more fruity goodness
Toppings: Besides ice cream, you can top this cake with whipped cream, chocolate sauce or salted caramel sauce on top for more flavor It’s also delicious with a hearty drizzle of homemade Nutella

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but the strawberries must be cooked down and thickened into a compote to match the consistency of pie filling.
- → What type of cake mix works best?
Vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix are all great choices. Strawberry or chocolate cake mix can also be used for variation.
- → Do I need to mix the ingredients together?
No mixing is required. Simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish and bake. That's what makes it a dump cake!
- → How can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Assemble all layers in the baking dish and cover tightly. Store at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- → What toppings go well with this cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or caramel drizzle all complement the warm strawberry flavor wonderfully.
- → Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely. Try apple, cherry, peach, or even mixed berry pie filling for a different flavor experience.