This slow cooker 3-ingredient Miami vice dump cake is the kind of low-effort dessert that earns a permanent place in summer rotation. Inspired by the tropical pairing of strawberry and piña colada-style flavors, it brings together bright fruit, buttery cake mix, and a creamy pineapple-coconut base in one scoopable dessert. Making it in the slow cooker keeps the oven off and lets the layers meld into a warm, jammy, golden-topped cake with almost no hands-on work.
Serve it warm straight from the slow cooker with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of lightly sweetened coconut cream. For a summery spread, it fits right in after grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, or pulled pork, and it also works nicely alongside fresh berries or sliced pineapple to echo the tropical flavors.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Miami Vice Dump Cake
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 can strawberry pie filling, about 21 ounces
1 can crushed pineapple in juice, about 20 ounces, undrained
1 box coconut or yellow cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter to help prevent sticking around the edges.
2. Spoon the strawberry pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer. Top with the crushed pineapple and its juice, distributing it gently over the strawberry layer without stirring too much so the colors stay distinct.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit, covering as much of the surface as possible. Do not stir; the slow cooker will steam the fruit up through the mix as it cooks.
4. Cover and cook on High for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or on Low for 4 to 5 hours, until the fruit is bubbling around the edges and the top looks set with golden spots. Let the cake rest uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
5. Scoop into bowls and serve warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like.
Variations & Tips
Use yellow cake mix: If coconut cake mix is hard to find, plain yellow cake mix works very well and still lets the pineapple flavor come through. If you happen to have shredded coconut on hand, a small sprinkle over the top before cooking can add that tropical note, but the recipe works without it.
Make the layers more distinct: For a prettier Miami vice look, spread the strawberry filling first and then spoon the pineapple gently over it instead of pouring everything in at once. Avoid stirring after the cake mix goes on so you keep those red and yellow swirls when serving.
Watch your slow cooker hot spots: Slow cookers vary quite a bit, and some run hot around the edges. If yours tends to brown quickly, check the cake on the early side of the cooking range and rotate the insert if your model allows it, so the topping cooks more evenly.
Try a chilled leftover version: While this dessert is best warm, leftovers are also quite good cold from the refrigerator, almost like a fruity pudding cake. Spoon some into a glass and top with whipped cream for an easy next-day treat.