Strawberry Dump Cake

There’s something utterly delightful about the ease and simplicity of making a Strawberry Dump Cake. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a warm spring afternoon, and I craved a dessert that could bring a smile to everyone’s face without spending hours in the kitchen. The excitement of pouring ingredients together without the fuss of precise measurements felt liberating! As I dumped luscious strawberry filling, creamy cheese, and sweet cake mix into a dish, I knew I was onto something special. This dessert doesn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth; it wraps you in nostalgic warmth, reminding you of sunny picnics and happy family gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply wanting to indulge, Strawberry Dump Cake is a sure-fire hit. The beautiful layers of flavors and textures come together in a harmonious way that’s impossible to resist. I love serving it warm, with fresh strawberries on top, making it even more inviting!

Ingredients Required for Strawberry Dump Cake

When it comes to baking, the right ingredients can make all the difference, and that’s especially true for Strawberry Dump Cake. The combination of fresh strawberries, rich cream cheese, and the sweetness from the cake mix creates a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that warm, gooey texture and fruity flavor that everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious dessert:

• 31.5 ounces of strawberry pie filling (two 15.75-ounce cans) – This forms the luscious base of the cake, offering sweetness and depth.
• 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened) – The creaminess of the cheese balances the sweetness and adds a rich texture.
• ¼ cup of sour cream – This ingredient introduces a slight tanginess that beautifully complements the sweet strawberries.
• ½ cup of powdered sugar – A touch of sweetness to enhance the cream cheese mixture.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Adds a warm and inviting aroma that ties the flavors together.
• 1 package of vanilla cake mix (or white cake mix) – The key player that transforms this dish into a delightful cake.
• ½ cup of salted butter (cold) – Provides a rich flavor and aids in creating a crispy topping.
• Fresh strawberries (whole or halved, for optional serving) – These can be used for garnishing, bringing that fresh touch to the dessert.

Directions for Strawberry Dump Cake

Making Strawberry Dump Cake is as enjoyable as eating it. The process is straightforward, allowing you to focus on the joy of creating something delicious. Here’s how to prepare it step-by-step:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warmth will ensure the cake mix bakes evenly.
2. Spread the strawberry filling from both cans in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will be the luscious base that seeps through the cake.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaminess will create a delightful contrast in texture.
4. Scoop dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the surface of the strawberry filling. Spread it out a little to ensure an even layer for the dump cake.
5. Next, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese layers, creating a beautiful topping.
6. Slice very thin pats of butter and spread them over the entire top of the dry cake mix. Cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure even melting.
7. Now, bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown, and you can see the strawberry filling bubbling up from the bottom.
8. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or cooled, depending on your preference.

Substitutions and Tips

Perfecting your Strawberry Dump Cake often comes down to the little details. Here are some tips and substitutions to elevate your dessert:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a few days for optimal freshness.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal, you can freeze leftover dump cake. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve your dump cake with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
• Ingredient Quality: Choose high-quality strawberry pie filling for the best flavor; homemade versions can work wonders!
• Baking Dish Size: Stick to a 9×13-inch pan for the right texture and consistency. Other sizes can yield different results.
• Butter Alternatives: If you’re out of butter, you can use margarine, but it might affect the flavor slightly.
• Fresh Fruit Addition: Feel free to mix in some fresh fruit into the strawberry filling for added texture and flavor.

Great Combinations for Strawberry Dump Cake

When considering how to serve Strawberry Dump Cake, think outside the box! This dessert can be incredibly versatile:

• Perfect for Spring Gatherings: Serve this cake at birthday parties, picnics, and family reunions. It’s a delightful ending to any meal!
• Pair with Whipped Cream: Whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the richness of the cake.
• Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: A few fresh strawberries on top not only add color but enhance the strawberry flavor.
• Best Served Warm: Although it’s delicious cooled, serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream can elevate the experience.
• Great for Breakfast! Leftovers can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast option with a dollop of yogurt.
• Seasonal Events: This dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, adding a refreshing touch to warm days.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Strawberry Dump Cake is truly a marvelous dessert that combines simplicity with flavor. Its ease of preparation and the nostalgic flavors make it a favorite for families and gatherings. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try and share it with loved ones. You’ll be met with smiles and compliments, and it just might become a tradition in your home.

Strawberry Dump Cake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Strawberry Dump Cake. Layers of sweet strawberry filling, creamy cheese, and fluffy cake mix come together for a delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight for a treat everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 31.5 ounces strawberry pie filling (two 15.75-ounce cans)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package vanilla cake mix (or white cake mix)
• ½ cup salted butter (cold)
• fresh strawberries (whole or halved for optional serving)

Equipment

• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warmth will ensure the cake mix bakes evenly.
2. 2. Spread the strawberry filling from both cans in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will be the luscious base that seeps through the cake.
3. 3. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaminess will create a delightful contrast in texture.
4. 4. Scoop dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the surface of the strawberry filling. Spread it out a little to ensure an even layer for the dump cake.
5. 5. Next, sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the strawberry and cream cheese layers, creating a beautiful topping.
6. 6. Slice very thin pats of butter and spread them over the entire top of the dry cake mix. Cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure even melting.
7. 7. Now, bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown, and you can see the strawberry filling bubbling up from the bottom.
8. 8. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or cooled, depending on your preference.

Notes

• Tip 1: When buying the cake mix at the grocery store, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.
• Tip 2: You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11×7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.
• Tip 3: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so that you don’t have lumps in your dump cake.
• Tip 4: Using cold butter makes it easier to get the slices very thin. When the dump cake cooks, the butter melts and blends with the dry cake mix, but it won’t spread, so if parts of the cake mix are left uncovered, they may come out of the oven still dry and powdery.
• Tip 5: Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.