Throw fresh diced strawberries in the crockpot and 2 secret additions to get a treat so decadent your family won’t stop talking about it!

For a twist, you can swap in a strawberry, lemon, or white cake mix instead of vanilla or yellow for a slightly different flavor profile—lemon cake mix is especially good if you love a bright, summery vibe. If your strawberries aren’t very sweet, toss them with 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar before adding them to the slow cooker.

You can also add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon over the berries for extra depth without changing the basic 3-ingredient concept. I think of these as little pantry boosts for when I want it to taste a bit more homemade on a random weeknight.

For a slightly lighter version, use a reduced-sugar cake mix and cut the butter down to 6 tablespoons, knowing the topping will be a bit less rich.

Food safety tips: Always start with fresh, ripe strawberries—rinse them under cool running water and pat dry before hulling and dicing to minimize excess water and reduce the risk of spoilage. Don’t leave the finished dessert sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours; cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in a shallow container. Reheat single portions thoroughly until steaming before eating, and discard if the dessert develops an off smell, color, or visible mold.