Layer boxed cake mix and these 3 ingredients over fresh strawberries into a baking dish for a warm dessert that disappears in minutes

This oven baked 5-ingredient strawberry dump cake is the sort of easy, humble dessert that has shown up at Midwestern potlucks and church suppers for generations, just in different outfits. Instead of fussing with mixing bowls and fancy toppings, you simply layer fresh strawberries, sugar, and a few pantry staples right into the baking dish, sprinkle dry boxed cake mix over the top, dot it with butter, and let the oven do the rest. It comes out warm, bubbly, and spoon-soft—more like a cobbler than a neat cake—and it has a way of disappearing in minutes once it hits the table.

It’s the kind of recipe you make when berries are plentiful, company is on the way, and you want something comforting and dependable without a lot of work.

Serve this strawberry dump cake warm, scooped straight from the baking dish into bowls. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream melts into the warm berries and cake crumbles in the nicest way. It’s also lovely with a drizzle of heavy cream or half-and-half if that’s what you keep on hand.

For a simple country-style dessert, pair it with coffee after Sunday dinner or bring it out with iced tea on the porch in the evening. Leftovers, if you have any, are good chilled and eaten like a fruit crisp for breakfast alongside plain yogurt.

5-Ingredient Strawberry Dump Cake

Servings: 8

Ingredients

6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thick
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 box (about 15.25 ounces) white or yellow boxed cake mix, dry
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions