At Eminent Recipes, I believe in creating dishes that bring comfort to the table without demanding hours in the kitchen. This Strawberry Dump Cake with Fresh Berries is the perfect example—simple, flavorful, and family-friendly. Just like my approach to cooking, it’s customizable for every occasion, whether you’re using fresh berries, frozen strawberries, or a creamy twist. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it’s a dessert that feels both effortless and homemade.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Dump Cake with Fresh Berries is a dessert that checks all the boxes—easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply want something sweet and comforting.
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can make it with fresh strawberries for a vibrant, juicy flavor, or swap in frozen berries when they’re out of season. For added richness, try layering cream cheese into the mix, or add strawberry Jell-O for a burst of extra sweetness. If you’re craving something unique, variations like strawberry-apple or strawberry-vanilla add a fun twist, while a topping of Cool Whip or ice cream makes it extra indulgent.
This dessert is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the biggest smiles.
Ingredients for This Recipe
To make this Strawberry Dump Cake with Fresh Berries, you only need a few simple pantry staples and some fresh fruit. This dessert proves that you don’t have to overcomplicate baking to end up with something delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on berry sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken the berry layer)
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or sliced into thin pats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, adds warm flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
🍓 Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves
This recipe is highly customizable! You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh berries aren’t available, or mix in apples for a strawberry apple dump cake. For added richness, swirl in cream cheese or sprinkle strawberry Jell-O into the berry layer. Want more flair? Try a strawberry vanilla dump cake or finish with Cool Whip for a classic touch.
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Strawberry Dump Cake with Fresh Berries couldn’t be simpler—it’s all about layering and letting the oven do the work. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, toss the fresh strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of vanilla extract if using. This creates a juicy, flavorful base that will thicken as it bakes. Spread the berry mixture evenly across the prepared dish.
Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the berries. Don’t stir—it’s the “dump” method that makes this recipe so effortless! Pour the melted butter on top, ensuring it covers most of the cake mix. If you prefer, you can slice the butter into thin pats and layer them evenly across the surface.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Serve warm with whipped cream, Cool Whip, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This quick method works perfectly with variations like strawberry dump cake with Jell-O, cream cheese swirls, or even a strawberry apple twist.
Expert Cooking Tips
While a dump cake recipe is famously simple, a few smart tips can take your strawberry dump cake with fresh berries from good to outstanding.
- Prevent a Runny Cake: If your berries are extra juicy, increase the cornstarch to 1½ tablespoons. This helps thicken the filling and keeps the cake from becoming too watery. Using frozen strawberries? Let them thaw slightly and drain excess liquid before baking.
- Even Butter Coverage: To avoid dry patches, make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix. Pour melted butter slowly and evenly, or slice cold butter into thin pats and layer them carefully over the surface.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. If the cake is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
- Customize Your Flavor: Add strawberry Jell-O for extra sweetness, swirl in cream cheese for richness, or toss in apple slices for a fruity twist. A dash of vanilla or lemon zest brightens the flavor beautifully.
Serve warm with Cool Whip, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
FAQs
Why Is My Dump Cake Runny?
A runny dump cake usually happens when the fruit releases too much liquid. Add cornstarch to the berries, or drain excess juice if using frozen strawberries.
How Do I Fix a Burnt Dump Cake?
If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil. Always bake on the middle rack for even cooking.
Can You Make Dump Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake the cake, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture.
Can You Use Fresh Fruit in Dump Cake?
Absolutely. Fresh strawberries give the brightest flavor, but you can also use frozen berries—just thaw and drain them to prevent extra moisture.
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This Strawberry Dump Cake with Fresh Berries is a testament to the magic of simple, comforting desserts. With minimal ingredients and virtually no complicated steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or special occasions where you want something sweet without the stress. The recipe is highly versatile—you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, add a swirl of cream cheese, sprinkle in Jell-O, or toss in apples for a unique twist. Topping it with whipped cream, Cool Whip, or vanilla ice cream elevates it to an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe truly special is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust sweetness, layer flavors, or experiment with different variations like strawberry vanilla dump cake or strawberry apple dump cake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at a first dessert, this dump cake promises a golden, bubbly, and flavorful result every time.
Give it a try, share it with family and friends, and enjoy a quick, homemade dessert that feels effortlessly special.
Print
Strawberry Dump Cake with Fresh Berries
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This strawberry dump cake recipe uses fresh strawberries for a vibrant, juicy filling and a buttery cake topping. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing dessert, great for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you need a quick, fruity treat.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on berry sweetness)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or sliced into thin pats)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Optional Toppings:
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Prepare Strawberries:
In a bowl, mix fresh strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla (if using).
Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.Add Cake Mix:
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries. Do not stir.Top with Butter:
Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top (or dot with thin slices of butter for a crumblier texture).Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly.Serve:
Cool slightly before serving. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
📝 Notes & Tips:
Berry Variations: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry dump cake.
Less Sweet Option: Reduce sugar or skip if your strawberries are very ripe and sweet.
Cake Mix Swaps: Try lemon cake mix for a bright twist, or strawberry cake mix for double berry flavor.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American