Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake

Getting my kids to agree on dessert is usually a battle, but this cake creates a delicious truce every time. The combination of juicy strawberries and melty chocolate in this dump cake is a universal crowd-pleaser that disappears fast. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with almost zero effort. You know those days when you need something sweet, comforting, and ready with minimal fuss? This is it. This Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake is my secret weapon for turning a simple box of cake mix and a few pantry staples into a warm, bubbling pan of pure comfort. It’s the perfect answer to the craving for something homemade that doesn’t require a marathon baking session. Simple ingredients, warm memories. Let’s make a dessert that feels like home.

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Ingredients List

The magic of this Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake starts with a handful of simple, accessible ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry right now. The beauty is in the combination: sweet fruit, rich chocolate, and a buttery, golden topping that bakes up into something magical.

• 1 (21 oz) can strawberry pie filling
• 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate fudge cake mix (do not prepare according to box directions)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Fresh Strawberries: For a from-scratch twist, swap the pie filling for about 3 cups of chopped fresh strawberries tossed with ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. It turns this into one of the best fresh strawberry recipes for using a seasonal bounty.
• Cake Mix: Any chocolate cake mix works—devil’s food, dark chocolate, or even a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Butter: Salted butter is fine; just omit any extra salt. For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality plant-based butter stick.
• Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter take, or dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor. This is a great place to use up those baking bits you have on hand.

Timing

One of the biggest wins with this Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake is the timeline. From pantry to plate in about an hour, with most of that time being hands-off while it bakes and fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Compared to a layer cake from scratch, this is about 70% faster. It’s the ultimate "I need dessert NOW" solution that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The "dump" in dump cake is a promise, not a suggestion. We’re layering, not mixing. This method is foolproof and part of the charm. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. No greasing needed—the butter in the recipe takes care of that.
2. The Fruity Base: Open your can of strawberry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using your own mix of fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch, spread that mixture in now. This juicy layer is the heart of the dessert.
3. The Cake Layer: Sprinkle the entire box of dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the strawberry layer. Do not stir. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently spread it into a level, blanket-like layer, covering all the fruit.
4. The Buttery Top: Evenly distribute the thin pats of butter over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much area as possible—this butter will melt and combine with the mix to create that iconic crumbly, cobbler-like topping.
5. The Chocolate Finish: Sprinkle the cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top. They’ll sink in a bit and melt into pockets of gooey goodness.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden brown, the edges to be bubbly, and the center to be set. A few moist crumbs on a toothpick are fine; you want it fudgy, not dry.
7. Rest & Serve: Let the Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruity filling to thicken up slightly, making it perfect for scooping. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, assuming 12 servings) Approximately 380 calories, 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, 19g fat (11g saturated), 2g fiber. While this is a treat, the strawberries provide a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. Using a sugar-free pie filling or a reduced-sugar cake mix can adjust these numbers if you’re looking for a slightly lighter option among fresh strawberry recipes easy to tweak.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any special tools for this Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

• 9x13 inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works beautifully)
• Measuring cups
• Spoon or spatula for spreading
• Oven

That’s truly it. No mixer, no sifter, no fancy pans. This is comfort food, made easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation for so many reasons.

• Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort: The "dump and bake" method is brilliantly simple. It delivers the deep, satisfying taste of a homemade dessert without the complexity.
• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: The classic strawberry-chocolate combo appeals to all ages. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or when friends drop by unexpectedly.
• Pantry-Friendly: It leans on shelf-stable staples like cake mix and pie filling, making it a dessert you can whip up without a special grocery trip.
• Versatile Foundation: Once you master this base, you can create endless variations. Try it with cherry pie filling and chocolate cake, or peach and yellow cake. It’s a template for easy creativity.
• Comfort in a Pan: The warm, bubbly fruit and the soft, crumbly topping are the very definition of cozy. It’s food that feels like home.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily adapt this Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake to fit different dietary needs without losing its soul-satisfying essence.

• Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix. The rest of the recipe is naturally GF if you check your pie filling labels.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter for a plant-based butter stick (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Reduced Sugar: Opt for a no-sugar-added strawberry pie filling or make your own base with fresh strawberries and a sugar alternative like monk fruit or stevia that measures like sugar. Use a sugar-free cake mix.
• Boost Nutrition: For a twist that leans into healthy fresh strawberry recipes, fold a cup of fresh spinach (blended into the pie filling—you won’t taste it!) or use a whole-grain or protein-enriched cake mix for an extra nutrient bump.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is glorious straight from the pan, but a few simple additions can make it feel extra special.

• The Classic: A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake is non-negotiable for many. The hot-cold contrast is perfection.
• For Breakfast: Yes, really! Served at room temperature with a dollop of Greek yogurt, it transforms into a decadent fresh strawberry breakfast recipe. It’s a treat for a slow weekend morning.
• Adult Upgrade: Add a tablespoon of orange liqueur or Chambord to the strawberry layer before adding the cake mix for a sophisticated note.
• Texture Play: Sprinkle with chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) before baking, or add a crunch with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt after it comes out of the oven.
• Pairing Idea: Serve it after a simple meal like grilled chicken or a big salad. The rich dessert balances a lighter main course beautifully.

If you love the strawberry-chocolate pairing but want a no-bake option, my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bark is a fantastic, easy alternative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even an easy recipe has its pitfalls. Avoid these to guarantee your Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake turns out perfect.

1. Stirring the Layers: This is the #1 rule. Do not mix the pie filling and dry cake mix. Layering is what creates the distinct texture—a saucy bottom and a crumbly top. Stirring will give you a dense, gummy cake.
2. Skipping the Butter Pats: Simply melting butter and drizzling it won’t distribute fat evenly enough. The pats ensure every bit of cake mix gets buttery, leading to that perfect crisp topping.
3. Under-baking: The center should look set and the topping should be a deep golden brown. If you pull it out while the center is still jiggly and liquid, the cake mix layer won’t be fully cooked. Trust the visual cues.
4. Using a Smaller Pan: A 9x13 is essential for proper heat distribution and thickness. A smaller pan will cause the layers to be too deep, leading to an undercooked center or overflow.
5. Serving Immediately: Let it rest! Those 15-20 minutes allow the intense heat of the fruit filling to settle. Cutting in too soon can result in a soupy mess on your plate.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake is fantastic as leftovers—the flavors meld and deepen overnight.

• Room Temperature: Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store on the counter for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The texture becomes more fudgy and dense, which is delicious in its own way.
• Freezer: Cool the cake completely, then wrap the entire dish (or individual portions) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. To reheat a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. A quick re-crisp under the broiler for a minute can revive the top.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chocolate Dump Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable little piece of kitchen magic. It proves that incredible, comforting desserts don’t have to be complicated. With its juicy strawberry base, rich chocolate layers, and buttery crumble topping, it checks every box for a perfect family dessert. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and always met with happy smiles. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a sweet treat to enjoy all week, this cake has you covered.

I hope this becomes one of your go-to best fresh strawberry recipes for easy entertaining. Give it a try this week! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—leave a comment below and tell me about your experience. And if you’re on a dump cake kick, don’t miss my other favorites like this creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, the sunny Strawberry Peach Dump Cake, or the bright and zesty Strawberry Lemon Dump Cake. For the pure strawberry essence, my classic Strawberry Dump Cake is always a winner.

Happy baking, and don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your delicious creations.

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