If you’re craving a dessert that combines the luscious sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich decadence of chocolate, you’ve found your new favorite with this Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple, yet irresistibly scrumptious treat that transforms just a handful of pantry staples into a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re surprising friends at a dinner party or indulging in a quiet night dessert, this dump cake will fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and your taste buds with pure delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe couldn’t be easier with just a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating its magical flavor and texture. From the juicy strawberry pie filling that bursts with fruity goodness to the chocolate cake mix that adds rich cocoa warmth, every component is vital.
- Strawberry pie filling (2 cans, 21-ounce each): Provides the sweet and tangy base loaded with luscious strawberry chunks that keep the cake moist and flavorful.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25-ounce): Offers an easy way to deliver the chocolate element, thanks to its rich cocoa flavor and instant cake texture.
- Salted butter (3/4 cup, sliced thin): Adds buttery richness and helps create that perfectly crisp, golden topping when baked.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that your dump cake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. The buttery aroma that will soon fill your kitchen starts here!
Step 2: Spread the Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour both cans of strawberry pie filling evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. This thick, juicy layer is what makes each bite burst with strawberry sweetness and moisture, serving as the luscious foundation of the dessert.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Chocolate Cake Mix
Without stirring, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top of the strawberry filling. This step is essential to keep the layers distinct and allow the cake mix to absorb the juices below, resulting in a fantastic crumbly texture once baked.
Step 4: Add the Butter Slices
Place thin slices of salted butter across the surface of the cake mix, distributing them as evenly as possible. As the butter melts, it seeps through the cake mix, creating a golden, slightly crisp top layer that’s full of buttery richness.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your dump cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top looks set and is just beginning to turn crisp around the edges—a sure sign of caramelized, chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Let It Cool Slightly
Allow the cake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Cooling slightly helps the dessert set, making it easier to scoop generous servings without losing the ooey-gooey charm of the strawberry and chocolate layers.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dump cake by topping it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or a few fresh strawberry slices can add a lovely crunch and fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cake.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of milk, making it a fantastic companion for cozy dessert moments or casual gatherings. For a grown-up touch, serve with a rich red wine or a creamy dessert wine that complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve your Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars, layering some fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings on top just before serving. This personal touch can make your dessert feel even more special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Your dump cake will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy some sweet indulgence over several days.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for a longer time, freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy, and it will taste almost as delightful as freshly baked.
Reheating
Reheat your dump cake gently in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or warm it in an oven preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps revive the moist, tender texture and brings back that comforting warmth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While fresh strawberries can offer a fresher flavor, using them will change the texture and moisture content. You might need to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch and cook them down to mimic pie filling consistency for best results.
Is it necessary to use salted butter in this recipe?
Salted butter adds a subtle balance to the sweetness, enhancing flavor depth. However, if you only have unsalted butter, you can use it and add a pinch of salt to the recipe.
Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix with another flavor?
You can experiment with different cake mixes, like devil’s food or even a yellow cake mix, but keep in mind that it will alter the final flavor, moving away from the classic chocolate-strawberry combo.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert warm without it becoming soggy?
Serving the cake slightly cooled ensures the topping remains crisp while the filling stays luscious. Simply bake, cool for about 10 minutes, then serve with your favorite cold garnish to keep the contrast.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe yields about 10 delicious servings, perfect for sharing with family or guests but also easy to save leftovers for yourself!
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe is hands down a delightful, fuss-free dessert that brings together two classic flavors in the most comforting way. It’s quick to prepare, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious every single time. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re about to discover your new go-to cake for sharing joy with everyone you love.
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Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert that combines luscious strawberry pie filling with rich chocolate cake mix and butter. It’s an easy-to-make, no-mixing cake that bakes to a moist, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans strawberry pie filling
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
- 3/4 cup salted butter, cut into thin slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling: Evenly distribute the strawberry pie filling across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix: Without stirring, evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the strawberry pie filling layer.
- Add the butter slices: Place the thin slices of salted butter evenly on top of the dry cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible to help create a moist cake.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Do not stir the ingredients once layered; the cake mix will absorb moisture from the pie filling as it bakes.
- Use salted butter for balanced flavor; if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the cake mix before baking.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
