Easy Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake in 35 Minutes
Introduction
Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious dessert? If you’re a fan of ease, flavor, and strawberries, you’re in for a treat with this Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake! This delightful dessert combines fresh strawberries with a buttery cake topping, all coming together in just 35 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute gathering or a cozy night in, this easy strawberry dump cake recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
#### Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
– 1 box of vanilla cake mix (around 15.25 ounces)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Whipped cream or whipped topping, for serving (optional)
#### Kitchen Tools
– 9×13-inch baking dish
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk or spatula
Prep & Cook Time
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with ½ cup of granulated sugar. Gently toss to coat the strawberries and allow them to sit for about 5 minutes. This helps release their natural juices.
3. Mix the Cake Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of sugar, the cake mix, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a slightly lumpy batter.
4. Layer the Ingredients: Pour the strawberry mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, spoon the cake batter over the strawberries, spreading it evenly but not worrying about covering them completely; that’s the beauty of a dump cake!
5. Bake in the Oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before serving. Top with whipped cream or your favorite topping for an extra touch!
Nutritional Benefits or Advantages
This Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it can also be relatively light compared to other desserts. Fresh strawberries provide vitamins C and A, along with dietary fiber. Additionally, by making this dump cake at home, you can control the amount of sugar and opt for lighter whipped toppings. It’s a delicious way to enjoy fruit!
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
– Fruits: While strawberries are the star here, feel free to mix things up! Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches also work wonderfully.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of this easy strawberry dump cake.
– Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a splash of almond extract or citrus zest to your whipped cream for a flavorful twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a dense cake rather than a fluffy one. Mix just until combined.
– Not Greasing the Dish Properly: To avoid sticking, make sure you grease the baking dish well before adding the ingredients.
– Skipping the Sugar on Strawberries: Allowing the sugar to sit on the strawberries enhances their flavor and creates a delicious syrup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds or enjoy it cold, as the flavors often develop even more after a day in the fridge!
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
Now that you know how to make this Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake in just 35 minutes, there’s no excuse not to treat yourself! Perfect for any occasion, this easy strawberry dump cake recipe delivers sweet satisfaction every time. Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the strawberry mixture and batter separately and combine them just before baking.
Q: Can I freeze this dump cake?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it, wrapped well, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
Q: What can I serve with this cake?
A: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce would be delicious accompaniments!
