Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert perfect for any occasion. This vegan-friendly, customizable dish combines the sweet flavors of fresh strawberries with a tender, buttery cake topping in one simple, stress-free recipe. Ideal for busy weeknights or special celebrations, this dump cake is a balanced, comforting treat everyone will love. Try variations like strawberry cheesecake dump cake or strawberry banana dump cake for even more delicious options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake because it’s the ultimate quick and easy dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions, this dessert brings the sweet, fruity taste of fresh strawberries together with a tender, buttery cake topping—all in one simple dish. Unlike traditional strawberry shortcake recipes, this dump cake version is fuss-free, vegan-friendly, and highly customizable.
Whether you’re craving a classic strawberry shortcake dump cake, a rich strawberry cheesecake dump cake, or a fun twist like strawberry banana dump cake, this recipe is flexible enough to satisfy every sweet tooth. The one-pot preparation makes cleanup effortless, and the layered textures—from juicy strawberries to soft, golden cake—create a comforting, indulgent experience.
This dessert is not just delicious; it’s family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for sharing. Once you try this strawberry shortcake dump cake, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for quick, easy, and show-stopping desserts.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The beauty of this Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake is in its simplicity and the way the ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Fresh or frozen strawberries provide a juicy, fruity base that balances the sweetness of the cake topping. A box of yellow or white cake mix makes this dessert quick and foolproof, while melted butter helps the cake mix crisp up beautifully during baking. Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the strawberries.
For an extra indulgent touch, serve your strawberry shortcake dump cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination of ingredients keeps the recipe easy, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or last-minute celebrations. Each component plays a key role, so having quality strawberries and fresh butter really makes a difference in the final dish.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Making a Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake is effortless and rewarding. The combination of fresh or frozen strawberries, cake mix, and melted butter creates layers of sweet, fruity, and buttery goodness. The strawberries form a juicy base, while the cake mix and butter top them with a golden, crisp layer. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, giving this dump cake that classic strawberry shortcake taste. Optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream turn this simple dessert into a show-stopping treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Spread 4 cups of hulled and sliced fresh or frozen strawberries evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sprinkle 1 box of yellow or white cake mix evenly over the strawberries
- Drizzle ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter evenly over the cake mix
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract on top
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp
- Let cool slightly before serving, optionally topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
This simple method produces a delicious, family-friendly dessert that rivals traditional strawberry shortcake, making it the ultimate strawberry shortcake dump cake, or you can try variations like strawberry cheesecake dump cake or strawberry banana dump cake.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake is all about using fresh ingredients and following simple techniques. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries or high-quality frozen ones for the best flavor. Evenly sprinkling the cake mix over the strawberries ensures the top bakes into a crisp, golden layer while keeping the fruit moist underneath. Melting the butter before drizzling it over the cake mix helps the topping bake evenly. Vanilla extract adds depth and enhances the classic strawberry shortcake flavor. Optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream take this dessert from simple to show-stopping.
💡 Expert Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries for a juicy, flavorful base
- Spread the cake mix evenly to create a golden, crisp topping
- Drizzle melted butter slowly to cover all areas
- Add vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic finish
- Try variations like strawberry cheesecake dump cake or strawberry banana dump cake for creative twists
Following these tips ensures every bite of your strawberry shortcake dump cake is perfectly balanced, moist, and delicious.
FAQs
1. What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a strawberry shortcake dump cake?
The most common mistake is not layering the ingredients properly. Always place the strawberries first, sprinkle the cake mix evenly, and then drizzle melted butter on top. Skipping this order can result in a soggy or unevenly baked dessert.
2. What exactly is strawberry shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert made of sweet strawberries, tender cake or biscuits, and whipped cream. In this strawberry shortcake dump cake version, the flavors are simplified and baked together for convenience.
3. Why do they call it a dump cake?
It’s called a dump cake because you literally dump the fruit, cake mix, and butter into the pan without mixing. This makes recipes like strawberry cheesecake dump cake or strawberry banana dump cake quick, easy, and fuss-free.
4. What’s the difference between strawberry shortcake and strawberry cake?
Strawberry shortcake traditionally uses a biscuit or sponge base with layered strawberries and cream, while strawberry cake mixes strawberry flavor into the batter. The strawberry shortcake dump cake combines these ideas into a one-pan, easy dessert.
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Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that brings the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake into a simple, one-pan recipe. Whether you try the traditional version or a variation like strawberry cheesecake dump cake or strawberry banana dump cake, this dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions. With juicy strawberries, a tender cake topping, and optional whipped cream or ice cream, every bite of this strawberry shortcake dump cake is sure to impress.
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Juicy strawberries and a buttery cake topping come together to create a dessert reminiscent of classic strawberry shortcake. Sweet, soft, and slightly crumbly, this dump cake is perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or simple weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Fruit Layer: Spread strawberries evenly in the dish. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract over the fruit.
Cake Layer: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries. Do not stir.
Top with Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and fruit is bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream to enhance the “shortcake” experience.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used without thawing; add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
- For extra texture, sprinkle ¼ cup crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American / Dessert