Strawberry Dump Cake

Crushed pineapple layers with strawberry pie filling, then tops with dry yellow cake mix and thin margarine slices before baking into golden, gooey dessert. This no-fuss cake requires zero mixing skills and practically guarantees success, delivering foolproof comfort food with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Servings: 15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 15 ounce can crushed pineapple with juice
1 15 ounce can strawberry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup margarine
1 cup nuts chopped

Method

Making strawberry dump cake is remarkably straightforward and lives up to its name – you literally dump the ingredients into layers without any mixing required. Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees and greasing a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish or pan well to prevent sticking.
Pour the entire 1 (15 ounce) can of crushed pineapple with juice into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating the first moisture-rich layer. Next, spoon the 1 (15 ounce) can of strawberry pie filling over the pineapple and spread it evenly across the surface to guarantee uniform distribution of fruit throughout the cake.
The magic happens in the final layering steps. Dump the entire box of yellow cake mix directly over the pie filling layer – resist the urge to stir or mix anything together. Take your 1 cup of margarine and slice it into thin pats, then distribute these slices evenly across the top of the dry cake mix.
This technique allows the margarine to melt uniformly during baking, helping to activate the cake mix. If you're using the optional 1 cup of chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the margarine layer for added texture and flavor.
Bake the assembled cake for 45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cake is done when the surface has a nice golden color and you can hear gentle bubbling from the fruit layers beneath. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before serving, as this cooling time helps the layers set properly. Serve directly from the baking pan for the most authentic dump cake experience.

Notes

What To Serve With Strawberry Dump Cake

Once you’ve got this gorgeous, bubbling masterpiece cooling in the pan, you’ll want to think about what makes it sing on the plate. I always reach for vanilla ice cream first – it’s the classic pairing that never disappoints. The cold creaminess against that warm, fruity cake? Pure magic. Whipped cream works beautifully too, especially if you’re serving a crowd who might not want the richness of ice cream.

For something different, try a dollop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey. The tanginess cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Coffee pairs wonderfully alongside, and fresh berries make it feel even more special. Honestly, this cake’s so good on its own that you could serve it plain and nobody would complain.