Southern Strawberry Dump Cake

This Southern Strawberry Dump Cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make—packed with juicy strawberries, sweet buttery cake, and classic Southern charm in every bite. Made with simple pantry staples like cake mix, fresh or frozen strawberries, and melted butter, this dump-and-bake treat is perfect for potlucks, weeknight cravings, or family gatherings. With a golden, crisp topping and gooey fruit center, it’s the ultimate fuss-free dessert that delivers big flavor without the extra steps. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic Southern-style treat that tastes like summer all year long. Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

It's no secret that I've fallen in love with dump cakes at this point. If you've given my Cinnamon Sugar Peach Cobbler Dump Cake then you'll know how delicious dump cakes actually are! But if you know me, then you know I absolutely love strawberries, so making this recipe was a no brainer! I can't tell you how amazing this Southern Strawberry Dump Cake is and the buttery, sweet + tart flavors are perfection in every bite. You won't be disappointed---trust me!

For my Southern dessert lovers I recommend trying My Grandma's Baked Southern Banana Pudding, Easy Southern Peach Cobbler [with Canned Peaches], or my Classic Southern Banana Pudding next up! Oh, and I have this Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Pudding, and Caramelized "Crunch" Banana Pudding which are a nice twist + spin for all the peanut butter lovers out there! 

Back to this dump cake-----It’s incredibly simple to whip up, especially with the help of boxed cake mix to speed things along. Dump cakes are a dream for anyone who loves dessert but isn’t into spending hours in the kitchen—just toss the ingredients together, let the oven work its magic, and you’ll end up with a sweet, cinnamon-strawberry, golden bubbly dessert that’s absolutely divine!

Jump to:

• What Is A Dump Cake?
• Why You’ll Love This Southern Strawberry Dump Cake
• How To Make Southern Strawberry Dump Cake
• Ingredients
• Can I Use Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Strawberries in Dump Cake?
• Best Cake Mix Flavors for Strawberry Dump Cake
• Strawberry Cake Mix
• Tips for Using Strawberries in Dump Cake
• Tips for Making the Perfect Dump Cake
• Best Variations to Try: Strawberry Dump Cake With a Twist
• How To Serve This Southern Strawberry Dump Cake
• Common Q + A's for Southern Strawberry Dump Cake
• More Sweet + Delicious Southern Dessert Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Southern Strawberry Dump Cake

What Is A Dump Cake?

A dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert. You just "dump" a few ingredients into a baking dish—like canned fruit, boxed cake mix, and butter—and let the oven work its magic. There's no mixing, no fuss, just a sweet, golden treat that's perfect for when you want dessert without all the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Strawberry Dump Cake

• Ridiculously Easy to Make. Just dump, layer, and bake—no mixing bowls, no fancy steps, and zero fuss!
• Sweet, Buttery, and Comforting. Each bite is packed with juicy strawberries and golden cake topping that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion. Whether it’s a summer cookout, holiday dessert table, or a weeknight treat—this cake fits every vibe.
• Made with Pantry Staples. Uses simple ingredients like cake mix, butter, and fruit—great for last-minute baking!
• Customizable + Versatile. Swap in different fruits (like peaches or blueberries), add nuts, or make it gluten/dairy-free with easy tweaks.
• Crowd-Favorite Classic. A nostalgic Southern dessert that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.

How To Make Southern Strawberry Dump Cake

Start by making your strawberry filling and spreading it in a baking dish or deep skillet. Next, dump the cake mix over the strawberries, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until it’s bubbly and golden, then let it cool slightly before serving with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream! Find the complete recipe details in the recipe card below!

Ingredients

STRAWBERRY FILLING:

• Fresh strawberries. Sliced thin. I like to use organic, be sure to wash + dry well beforehand.
• Cane sugar + brown sugar. Ensure that it's organic for healthiest option.
• Spices. What's dessert without some spices right? You can purchase my Dessert Lover Blend for authentic flavor or you can create a homemade spice mix.
• Vanilla extract. A great addition of flavor and marries everything together. Always use pure vanilla and not the imitation flavor for the best results!
• Lemon. Freshly-squeezed.

TOPPING:

• Yellow cake mix. I love using Bob's Red Mill cake mix.
• Salted butter. Melted.
• Cane sugar. You can also sub this and the cinnamon with actual store-bought cinnamon sugar!
• Ground cinnamon.

GARNISH:

• Whipped cream. Store brought or learn how to easily make your own!
• Vanilla Ice cream. Again you can make your own no churn vanilla ice cream or opt for your fave store brought one!
• Caramel sauce. You can make your own using my Caramel Sauce recipe.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS DUMP CAKE!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern Strawberry Dump Cake recipe. Everything from my fave cast iron pans, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Can I Use Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Strawberries in Dump Cake?

Yes! You can absolutely use fresh, frozen, or canned strawberries in your Southern Strawberry Dump Cake—but each type comes with its own prep needs and pros and cons. Want the best of both worlds? Try mixing fresh strawberries with a few spoonfuls of strawberry preserves or pie filling for a juicy, flavorful filling that doesn’t water down the cake mix. Here’s how to choose the best one for your recipe:

Fresh Strawberries

Best for flavor + texture

• Pros: Naturally sweet, juicy, and hold their shape well when baked. Ideal for spring and summer when strawberries are in season.
• Cons: Require hulling and slicing; can become too soft if overbaked.
• Prep Tips: Wash, hull, and slice evenly. Optionally, toss in a bit of sugar and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and prevent browning.

Frozen Strawberries

Best for convenience + availability year-round

• Pros: Great when strawberries aren’t in season; already hulled and sliced; freezer-friendly.
• Cons: Can release excess water when baking, which may cause a soggy cake.
• Prep Tips: Always thaw completely and drain well before using. Pat with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.

Canned Strawberries or Strawberry Pie Filling

Best for quick prep + extra gooey texture

• Pros: No prep needed; adds a jammy consistency that mimics a cobbler-style filling.
• Cons: Often contains added sugars and syrup; may be overly sweet.
• Prep Tips: Use as-is or combine with fresh berries to balance the sweetness. Look for options with no added sugar if possible.

Best Cake Mix Flavors for Strawberry Dump Cake

When it comes to making a Southern Strawberry Dump Cake, choosing the right cake mix can take your dessert from basic to bakery-style delicious. While this recipe is famous for its simplicity, the cake mix you use can transform the flavor, texture, and overall vibe of the dish. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:

Yellow Cake Mix

Classic + buttery flavor

• Why it works: Yellow cake mix is rich, slightly buttery, and perfectly balances the sweet-tart flavor of the strawberries. It’s the most traditional option for Southern-style dump cakes.
• Pairing ideas: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or sprinkle crushed pecans on top for a Southern twist.

White Cake Mix

Light + fluffy with a neutral base

• Why it works: White cake mix lets the strawberries shine with minimal interference. It’s also easy to customize with citrus zest, almond extract, or even a drizzle of glaze.
• Pairing ideas: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries or fold in lemon zest for a refreshing touch.

Strawberry Cake Mix

Bold + berry-on-berry flavor

• Why it works: If you love a double-strawberry moment, this is it. Strawberry cake mix enhances the fruit-forward flavor and adds a pretty pink hue to the topping.
• Pairing ideas: Add white chocolate chips or a strawberry glaze for a playful, dessert-forward version.

Vanilla Cake Mix

Sweet + soft with bakery-style vibes

• Why it works: Vanilla cake mix adds a soft, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants a more dessert-y, shortcake-like feel.
• Pairing ideas: Top with vanilla ice cream, or add coconut flakes before baking for a tropical spin.

Gluten-Free Cake Mix

Great for dietary needs without sacrificing taste

• Why it works: Most gluten-free cake mixes perform just as well in dump cakes—especially if they’re made with rice flour or almond flour bases.
• Tips: Look for a vanilla or yellow gluten-free mix that’s free from added gums or fillers for a more natural taste and texture.

Tips for Using Strawberries in Dump Cake

• Fresh Strawberries = Best Flavor + Texture. Fresh strawberries give your dump cake the brightest flavor and a perfectly balanced sweet-tart bite. Be sure to hull and slice them evenly so they cook down beautifully while still keeping some texture.

• Frozen Strawberries Work Too (But Thaw First!). Using frozen strawberries? No problem! Just thaw completely and drain excess liquid before layering. Too much moisture can make the cake soggy or prevent the topping from crisping.

• Boost Flavor with a Touch of Sugar or Lemon Juice. Toss your strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of lemon juice before adding to the baking dish. This enhances their natural sweetness and brings out that signature Southern strawberry flavor.

• Add Strawberry Preserves for Extra Gooeyness. For an extra luscious filling, spread a thin layer of strawberry preserves or jam over the fresh fruit. It gives the cake that gooey, cobbler-like consistency and intensifies the berry flavor.

• Mix with Other Berries (Optional). Want a twist? Add blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches to your strawberry layer for a beautiful mixed berry variation. It keeps the flavor fresh and colorful.

• Don’t Overload the Fruit Layer. Stick to about 8 cups of strawberries, sliced—enough for a juicy base but not so much that the cake turns soupy. Balance is key to getting that perfect fruit-to-cake ratio.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dump Cake

Use High-Quality Fruit (Fresh or Frozen):
Whether you're using fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, make sure it’s ripe and flavorful. For a Southern Strawberry Dump Cake, fresh strawberries give a naturally sweet, juicy texture—while frozen strawberries work great too, just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid.

Don’t Stir the Layers:
One of the keys to a dump cake’s magic is layering. Simply “dump” the ingredients in the correct order—fruit first, then cake mix, then melted butter. No mixing! Stirring can ruin that classic crumbly topping.

Spread Butter Evenly:
Ensure the melted butter completely covers the cake mix. This creates that golden, buttery crust on top. You can also slice cold butter thinly and place it evenly over the surface if you prefer not to melt it.

Avoid Dry Spots:
Use a spoon to gently press down any dry patches of cake mix before baking or drizzle extra melted butter over any uncovered areas. This ensures an evenly baked topping.

Add Texture with Nuts or Coconut:
For a little crunch, top your dump cake with chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut before baking. This adds depth and that old-fashioned Southern texture.

Let It Rest Before Serving:
Once baked, let the dump cake sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes serving cleaner (especially if scooping into bowls or topping with ice cream).

Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:
A warm strawberry dump cake paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream brings out the nostalgic flavors and adds that perfect creamy contrast.

Make It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free:
Use a gluten-free yellow or white cake mix and plant-based butter to easily adapt this dessert for dietary needs—without sacrificing taste.

Best Variations to Try: Strawberry Dump Cake With a Twist

One of the best parts about making a Southern Strawberry Dump Cake is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're looking to switch up the flavors, add a chocolatey twist, or make it plant-based—there's a variation for every craving and dietary need. Here are a few fun and flavorful ideas to try:

Mixed Berry Dump Cake

• How to make it: Swap some or all of the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Flavor tip: Add lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract to brighten the flavor.

Strawberry Peach Dump Cake

• How to make it: Mix fresh or canned peaches with strawberries for a juicy, sweet-and-tangy filling.
• Flavor tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warmth of the peaches.
• Perfect for: Late summer gatherings, family reunions, or church potlucks.

Chocolate-Strawberry Dump Cake

• How to make it: Use chocolate cake mix and sprinkle in chocolate chips over the fruit.
• Flavor tip: Add a few spoonfuls of strawberry jam or preserves to the fruit layer for extra richness.
• Perfect for: Valentine’s Day, date night, or girls’ night in.

Vegan Strawberry Dump Cake

• How to make it: Use a vegan-friendly cake mix (without dairy or eggs) and plant-based butter. Double-check the cake mix ingredients!
• Flavor tip: Add a splash of almond or coconut milk over the cake mix before baking to keep it moist.
• Perfect for: Anyone looking for a simple, plant-based dessert that still delivers on flavor.

Strawberry Lemonade Dump Cake

• How to make it: Add lemon zest and a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the strawberry layer. Use a white or lemon cake mix.
• Flavor tip: Top with powdered sugar or a lemon glaze after baking.
• Perfect for: Spring brunches, baby showers, or Easter.

Strawberry Coconut Dump Cake

• How to make it: Sprinkle shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) over the cake mix before baking. Use vanilla or white cake mix.
• Flavor tip: Add a splash of coconut milk to the fruit layer or finish with coconut whipped cream.
• Perfect for: Luau parties or summer desserts.

Strawberry Apple Dump Cake

• How to make it: Add thinly sliced apples or apple pie filling with the strawberries. Use spice cake or yellow cake mix.
• Flavor tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or crushed graham crackers before baking.
• Perfect for: Fall baking, Thanksgiving, or Sunday suppers.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

• How to make it: Dot softened cream cheese or spoonfuls of sweetened mascarpone between the strawberries and cake mix.
• Flavor tip: Add a swirl of strawberry jam or use white cake mix for balance.
• Perfect for: Holidays, birthdays, or cheesecake lovers.

Boozy Strawberry Dump Cake

• How to make it: Mix a splash of strawberry liqueur, rosé, or champagne into the fruit layer before baking.
• Flavor tip: Top with a whipped cream vodka frosting or serve with boozy whipped topping.
• Perfect for: Galentine’s, brunch with friends, or summer dinner parties.

Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake

• How to make it: Use vanilla cake mix, layer with strawberries, and top with crushed shortbread cookies before or after baking.
• Flavor tip: Serve with fresh whipped cream or drizzle with condensed milk.
• Perfect for: Classic dessert lovers or quick weeknight treats.

How To Serve This Southern Strawberry Dump Cake

Enjoy this Southern Strawberry Dump Cake straight out of the oven while it’s still warm + bubbly—it’s irresistible! For an extra special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Trust me, it’ll be gone in no time!

Common Q + A's for Southern Strawberry Dump Cake

More Sweet + Delicious Southern Dessert Recipes

If you love this Southern Strawberry Dump Cake recipe, you'll love my other delicious Southern dessert recipes!

• Cinnamon Sugar Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
• The Best Birthday Strawberry Shortcake Cake
• The Best Southern Strawberry Cobbler
• My Fave Strawberry Shortcake with Buttermilk Biscuits
• Southern Candied Yams
• 1-Layer Maple Sweet Potato Cake
• Skillet Blueberry Cobbler with Cinnamon Biscuits
• My Grandma's Baked Southern Banana Pudding
• Southern-Style Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
• Grandma’s Dutch Apple Pie

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Southern Strawberry Dump Cake recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

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