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.

Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake – Best Easy Dessert Recipe 2025

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

Scale

🛒 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