Strawberry Dump Cake: The Easiest and Tastiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make
Imagine a dessert that’s so easy to make, you just throw everything into a pan and bake it. That’s the magic of a dump cake! And today, we’re making it even better with strawberries. This strawberry dump cake is perfect for when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a baking pro or a complete novice, this recipe is foolproof and will leave you with a delicious treat every time.
What is a Dump Cake?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what a dump cake is. A dump cake is one of the simplest desserts you can make. Unlike traditional cakes, you don’t need to mix the ingredients separately or worry about precise measurements. You simply “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The result is a dessert that’s somewhere between a cake and a cobbler, with a gooey fruit filling and a buttery, crispy topping. For more information northernreport.ca
Why Strawberry?
Strawberries are a great choice for a dump cake for several reasons. First, they’re naturally sweet and juicy, which means you don’t need to add a lot of extra sugar. Second, they’re readily available fresh or frozen, so you can make this cake any time of year. Lastly, strawberries pair wonderfully with the buttery cake mix, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this strawberry dump cake, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries)
- 1/2 cup of butter (one stick), melted
- 1 cup of water
That’s it! These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make.
Preparing the Strawberries
If you’re using fresh strawberries, start by washing and hulling them. Hulling means removing the green tops. If you’re using frozen strawberries, let them thaw for about 15 minutes before using. If the strawberries are large, you might want to cut them into halves or quarters to make them easier to distribute evenly in the pan.
Assembling the Cake
Now comes the fun part—assembling your dump cake! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Spread the strawberries evenly in the bottom of the dish. If your strawberries are very tart, you can sprinkle them with a bit of the granulated sugar.
Adding the Cake Mix
Next, take the dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the strawberries. It might look a little strange at this point, but trust the process. You don’t need to stir or mix the cake mix with the strawberries.
Pouring the Butter
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, pour it evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will help the cake mix turn golden and crispy as it bakes.
Adding Water
Finally, pour the cup of water over the entire mixture. This helps to ensure that the cake mix gets fully moistened and bakes up nicely. Don’t worry if it looks a bit watery at this stage—this is what helps create that delicious, gooey texture in the finished cake.
Baking Time
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The smell of baking strawberries and buttery cake will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Cooling Down
Once your strawberry dump cake is out of the oven, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken up a bit, making it easier to serve. It’s going to be hot and bubbly right out of the oven, so giving it some time to cool is essential.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry dump cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy toppings pair perfectly with the warm, sweet cake. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. The cake will soften up and taste just as good as when it was freshly baked.
Variations on the Recipe
One of the best things about a dump cake is its versatility. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Mixed Berries: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Pineapple-Strawberry: Add a can of crushed pineapple along with the strawberries for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Sprinkle some chocolate chips over the cake mix before adding the butter.
Tips and Tricks
- Even Distribution: Make sure the cake mix is spread evenly over the strawberries for consistent texture.
- Butter Coverage: Pour the butter evenly to ensure the cake mix bakes up crispy and golden.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different fruit combinations and cake mix flavors.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This strawberry dump cake is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes. Most importantly, it’s delicious and sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert for a party or a simple sweet treat for your family, this strawberry dump cake is the perfect choice. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of a homemade dessert without all the fuss. Happy baking!
