5-Ingredient Baked Strawberry Dump Dessert

Description

This 5-Ingredient Baked Strawberry Dump Dessert is one of the easiest fruit desserts you can make. Fresh or frozen strawberries are layered in a baking dish, topped with cake mix and butter, then baked until the topping is golden and crisp while the strawberries become sweet, bubbly, and jam-like. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you need a simple dessert with minimal effort.

Ingredients (5 Ingredients)

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or frozen, thawed)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (15.25 oz/432 g) yellow cake mix
½ cup (1 stick/113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Optional for serving (not included in the 5 ingredients):

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh mint

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Spoon
Oven

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.

Step 3

Mix strawberries with sugar and vanilla until evenly coated.

Step 4

Spread the strawberry mixture evenly into the baking dish.

Step 5

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberries. Do not stir.

Step 6

Pour melted butter evenly across the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.

Step 7

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8

Allow the dessert to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Recipe Notes

Frozen strawberries work well; drain excess liquid after thawing.
Avoid stirring after adding the cake mix.
If some dry cake mix remains on top before baking, drizzle a little extra melted butter over those spots.
The filling thickens slightly as it cools.
Sweetness can be adjusted depending on the ripeness of the strawberries.

Tips for Success

Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Spread butter as evenly as possible for a crisp topping.
Bake until the edges are bubbling, not just until the top is browned.
Let the dessert rest before serving to prevent a runny filling.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Servings

Makes: 8 servings

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 305
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sodium: 320 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 28 g
Vitamin C: 45 mg
Calcium: 55 mg
Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Provides quick energy from carbohydrates.
Contains natural fruit nutrients along with a comforting baked dessert.
Can be made with less sugar if strawberries are naturally sweet.
Easy homemade alternative to many store-bought desserts with long ingredient lists.

Variations

Replace strawberries with mixed berries.
Add sliced peaches for a strawberry-peach version.
Use white or butter cake mix for a slightly different flavor.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist.

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

To Reheat:

Microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds.
Or warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. If your strawberries are sweet, reduce the sugar to ¼ cup or omit it entirely.

3. Why is it called a dump dessert?

Because the ingredients are simply layered (“dumped”) into the baking dish without complicated mixing.

4. Can I use another cake mix flavor?

Yes. White, butter, vanilla, strawberry, or lemon cake mix all work well.

5. Do I have to melt the butter?

Yes. Melted butter helps evenly moisten the cake mix for a crisp, golden topping.

6. Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Bake it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

7. Why are there dry patches on top?

Some cake mix may not have been covered by butter. Drizzle a little more melted butter over any dry spots before baking.

8. What goes best with this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

10. Is this dessert served warm or cold?

It is best served warm, but it’s also delicious chilled straight from the refrigerator.