Here’s a detailed and comprehensive recipe for Strawberry Dump Cake, including its history, ingredients, instructions, methods, and everything else you need to know!
Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe 🍓
Introduction
Strawberry Dump Cake is a simple, no-fail dessert that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The term “dump cake” refers to the effortless method of making it—just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the magic. Unlike traditional cakes, this one doesn’t require elaborate mixing, beating, or precise measurements. It’s perfect for busy home bakers, last-minute guests, or anyone craving a warm, fruity, and buttery treat.
Strawberries bring a natural sweetness and tartness, perfectly complemented by a buttery cake topping. This dessert is often served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe ensures a foolproof and delicious result every time.
History of Dump Cake
Dump cakes became popular in the 1960s when boxed cake mixes were widely available in supermarkets. The concept of “dumping” ingredients into a dish without mixing appealed to home cooks looking for easy, fuss-free desserts. Over time, variations using different fruits like cherries, blueberries, peaches, and strawberries emerged, making it a versatile favorite in American households.
While similar to cobblers and crisps, dump cakes stand out because of their simplicity and reliance on boxed cake mixes. This dessert has remained a beloved classic due to its rich flavors, crunchy topping, and effortless preparation.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Strawberry Dump Cake, you’ll need the following:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced) or 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk (optional, for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for extra caramelization, optional)
Toppings (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
- 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Strawberries: Spread the fresh strawberries or canned strawberry pie filling evenly at the bottom of the dish. If using fresh strawberries, sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar to enhance sweetness.
- Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the strawberries, ensuring full coverage.
- Pour the Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If desired, pour ½ cup milk over the mix to make the texture softer.
- Optional Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Methods of Preparation
There are several ways to make this cake:
- Classic Oven-Baked Method (as described above).
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Use a smaller dish to fit in the air fryer.
- Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave Method (for a quick fix):
- Use a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cook on high for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.
Lovers of Strawberry Dump Cake ❤️
This dessert is a favorite among various groups:
- Busy Parents: Quick and easy to make, perfect for family gatherings.
- Baking Beginners: No complicated steps, yet always delicious.
- Dessert Lovers: Sweet, fruity, and buttery—what’s not to love?
- Party Hosts: A crowd-pleaser at potlucks, picnics, and celebrations.
Conclusion
Strawberry Dump Cake is the ultimate effortless dessert. With its rich strawberry flavor, buttery cake topping, and crispy texture, it’s a no-fail treat that impresses every time. Whether you bake it for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy a little taste of comfort and joy!
Would you like any modifications, such as adding chocolate or a different fruit?