Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake – Sweet, Simple, and Full of Summer Love
The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
Today I want to share something incredibly easy and joyful: my Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake. Oh, how I love this dessert. It reminds me of warm afternoons when strawberries are at their sweetest, when the kitchen smells like sugar and sunshine, and when I need something beautiful but effortless.
This Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake is one of those desserts that surprises everyone. They think I worked for hours, but really, it comes together in minutes. The fresh strawberries soften and release their juices, creating a sweet, slightly tangy layer at the bottom. On top, the white cake mix turns golden and buttery, forming a soft, tender crust.
I make this Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake when friends come over unexpectedly. I make it when my family wants something sweet after Sunday lunch. I even make it just for myself sometimes, with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. It feels like summer in every bite.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels like freedom in the kitchen. Not every dessert needs to be complicated. Not every cake needs layers and frosting. Sometimes we just need strawberries, cake mix, butter, and a little faith in the oven.
This Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake gives me:
- Simplicity
- Comfort
- Beautiful color
- Big flavor with little effort
The fresh strawberries make all the difference. I adore using real, juicy fruit instead of canned filling. The strawberries melt into a glossy, ruby-red base that tastes natural and bright. The white cake mix balances that brightness with sweetness and softness.
And I love how forgiving this recipe is. If my strawberries are a little extra juicy, it still works. If I forget to smooth the top perfectly, it still bakes beautifully. It feels relaxed, like cooking should feel.
Most of all, I love how this dessert brings women together around my table. We talk, we laugh, we scoop warm portions into bowls, and we add a little vanilla ice cream on top. Those moments matter.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here is everything I use for my Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
My Little Secrets
Choose ripe strawberries.
I always smell them before I buy them. If they smell sweet and fragrant, they will taste sweet after baking.
Add lemon juice.
The lemon juice wakes up the strawberries. It keeps the flavor bright and prevents the dessert from tasting flat.
Do not overmix the topping.
I stir just until combined. Overmixing makes the topping dense instead of soft.
Use real butter.
Butter gives this dump cake its golden, slightly crisp top. I never skip it.
How I Make It, Step by Step
1. Preheat the Oven
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Prepare the Strawberries
I place the sliced strawberries in a large bowl. I add sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. I gently stir everything together.
Then I spread the strawberries evenly in the baking dish. I make sure they form a thick, juicy layer.
3. Prepare the Cake Topping
In another bowl, I combine the white cake mix, melted butter, milk, and salt. I stir until everything comes together. The batter feels slightly thick, and that’s perfect.
4. Assemble
I spoon the cake mixture over the strawberries. I gently spread it with a spatula. I do not worry about covering every tiny corner. The oven works its magic.
5. Bake
I bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top turns golden brown. The strawberries bubble around the edges. The smell fills my entire kitchen.
6. Cool Slightly
I let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. The juices settle, and the texture becomes perfect.
How I Serve It at Home
I serve my Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake warm. Always warm.
Sometimes I add:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- A few extra fresh strawberry slices
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
When I serve it to guests, I use small white bowls so the red strawberries look even brighter. I sit down with them, and we enjoy it slowly.
This dessert feels casual but special. It does not need decoration. It shines on its own.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
If I have leftovers, I cover the baking dish tightly and place it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- I microwave a portion for 20–30 seconds
- Or I warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes
You can prepare the strawberries a few hours ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Then assemble and bake when ready.
I do not recommend freezing it because the strawberries can become watery when thawed.
100-Word Short Version
This Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert made with juicy fresh strawberries and a buttery white cake topping. I mix sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, spread them in a baking dish, then cover them with a simple cake mix batter made with butter and milk. After baking until golden and bubbly, I serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or when you want a simple dessert that tastes homemade and full of love.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl. Spread into baking dish.
- Combine cake mix, melted butter, milk, and salt in another bowl. Stir gently.
- Spoon mixture over strawberries and spread lightly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool 15 minutes before serving warm.
📝 Notes
- Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for deeper flavor.
- Use frozen strawberries if needed, but thaw and drain first.
- Serve warm for best texture.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 310mg
Cholesterol: 35mg
Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake is my go-to easy dessert when I want something warm, fruity, and comforting without any stress. Fresh strawberries bake into a sweet, bubbly layer underneath a soft, buttery white cake topping. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want a simple dessert that tastes homemade. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the most cozy treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for extra flavor)
- Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract (and almond extract if using). Spread the strawberry mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- In a second bowl, whisk the white cake mix with melted butter, milk, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the cake batter over the strawberries and gently spread it to cover most of the fruit.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the strawberry juices bubble around the edges.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if you like.
Notes
Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. If your berries are very sweet, reduce sugar to 1/4 cup. You can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain well to avoid extra liquid. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
When I make this Fresh Strawberry and White Cake Mix Dump Cake, I feel relaxed and happy. It reminds me that cooking does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. A few simple ingredients, fresh fruit, and a warm oven can create something beautiful.
I hope you make this in your own kitchen. I hope your home fills with the sweet scent of strawberries. And I hope you share it with someone you love.
Because in the end, food is never just food. It is comfort. It is memory. It is connection.
With love from my kitchen in Crete,
INAYA 💛
