Who doesn't love a 3 ingredient dessert, especially when all you need is one dish? This Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake is the ultimate blend of sweet and tart fruit that is soft with an irresistibly buttery crisp topping.
With minimal ingredients, lots of versatility, and everything made together in one dish, dump cakes are high up on my list of favorite desserts. Each summer, I have been lucky enough to have fresh rhubarb shared from my neighbor's garden, which I immediately make into as many baked goods as possible. In this case though, I love using canned strawberry rhubarb for its ease, convenience, and year-round availability. This way, I can whip up this delicious dump cake whenever the craving strikes!
What is a Dump Cake?
No matter the season, a dump cake is about to be your new favorite dessert to make on the weekend or a social occasion. Exactly as it sounds, you "dump" the ingredients needed into your baking vessel, and you're ready to go - with a little strategy of course. You do want to make sure you evenly layer your wet ingredients on the bottom, followed by your cake mix, then your thinly sliced (or melted) butter on top. This provides an evenly baked cake, and a crisp topping.
Jump to:
- What is a Dump Cake?
- Why You Will Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
- What to Serve with a Dump Cake Strawberry Rhubarb
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe
This dump cake recipe inspired by other quick recipes using cake mix! If you like easy recipes, you need to try these Cookies from Devil's Cake Mix and Cake Mix Christmas Cookies, or our Strawberry Crisp Recipe! Also, if you are a fan of strawberry rhubarb recipes, you might want to try my strawberry rhubarb muffins, strawberry rhubarb bread, and rhubarb strawberry crisp.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe
- Quick: In just a few quick steps you will have this in the oven ready for baking.
- Foolproof: Using cake mix in desserts is the ultimate baking hack.
- Flavourful: It is rich and fresh, with a burst of buttery sweetness.
- Texture: The softly cooked fruit juxtaposed with the crisp cake layer is a perfect balance.
Ingredients
With just 3 items needed to make this cake, you will be experimenting with different flavors all year long.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Canned Strawberry Rhubarb: Used as a the base of this dessert, can be changed up for your favorite type of pie filling.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Can be subbed for any cake mix.
- Butter: This cooks the cake and offers a crisp topping. Unsalted or salted both work great.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a 9x13 baking dish and non-stick spray.
Substitutions and Variations
We love making this Dump Cake Strawberry Rhubarb version, but there are a number of ways to mix it up.
- Blueberry Pie Filling: Use blueberry and add a little lemon zest to add some freshness, and serve with a French vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet.
- Peach Pie Filling: A classic dessert filling, you can use peach filling and sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg into the cake mix. Serve with candied pecans and vanilla ice cream.
- Blackberries: Use 5 cups of fresh blackberries and about 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar.
- Apples: Use apple pie filling or 5 cups of fresh apples mixed with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar plus a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Add in a little nutmeg and clove for a warmer profile.
- Cake Mix: Change up the type of cake mix, I have had luck with all kinds of flavors (note: I have never tested this with Angel Food Cake).
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
Look how quick it is to make this Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake.
Heat oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
Add strawberry rhubarb pie filling to baking dish (note: if using additional fresh fruit, add in here).
Sprinkle cake mix over top as evenly as possible. Cut butter into thin squares and arrange evenly over the yellow cake mix.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and serve.
Hint: Melted butter can be used as well, just try to pour it over as evenly as you can.
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How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
If you bring this dessert to a party, I would guess storage won't be a concern. But if you have some leftovers, here are some ways to keep it longer.
- Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Once cooled, place in an airtight container, lay a piece of plastic wrap on top (optional), and it can last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, and microwave on low until warmed through.
- Make Ahead: You can make this in advance, bake it and freeze in the baking dish, but it is such a quick recipe you might as well make it fresh!
What to Serve with a Dump Cake Strawberry Rhubarb
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The balance of hot and cold, creamy and crunchy are perfectly balanced.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A fresh dollop of whipped cream adds some lightness to this dessert.
- Shortbread Cookies: A nice crunchy cookie to pair with this dessert.
- Coffee or Tea: Hot beverages go perfectly with any dessert. Try our Caramel Mocha Coffee.
- White Hot Chocolate: Our Pink Hot Chocolate recipe is a rich and creamy balance to this sweet dessert.
- Lime: Lime offers a unique balance to this sweet treat, try our Key Lime Pie Shot to finish off your dessert.
Top Tip
Almost every dump cake will leave a little "dry" cake mix on top after baking, it is very common. Since the cake mix has been in the oven so long, it is safe to eat and can be mixed in once you are serving, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
Do you have questions about making a Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake? We can help.
We like vanilla or yellow cake mix, since we find that it's versatile and complements any type of fruit used very well. However, there are so many options out there that you can experiment with any flavor combination of your choice.
Absolutely. The beauty of dump cakes is their versatility, and endless ways to be customized. Feel free to add fresh fruit with your canned fruit layer for extra texture and flavor.
Your cake is finished baking when the top is golden brown in color, and the fruit is bubbling. It's very common for some dry mix to remain, and this is safe to eat since it has been baked.
Our favorite way to eat dump cake is warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve with whipped cream, and additional fresh fruit.
If you find yourself with any leftovers, dump cake can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh strawberries chopped small (optional)
- ½ cup fresh rhubarb chopped small (optional)
- 2 19- ounce cans strawberry rhubarb pie filling
- 1 375- gram box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick unsalted butter
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Add strawberry rhubarb pie filling to baking dish (note: if using additional fresh fruit, add in here).
- Sprinkle cake mix over top as evenly as possible. Cut butter into thin squares and arrange evenly over the yellow cake mix (note: the layers do not need to be mixed).
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes and serve.
Notes
- It is normal to get some sections of cake mix that do not incorporate, or look cooked, but the more evenly you spread your layers will help. When serving, they can be mixed in.
- Do not mix the layers prior to baking or it can result in a mushy texture. The butter on top helps to crisp up the cake batter.
- Swap for whatever pie filling is your favorite to personalize this recipe.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Stephanie says
I really enjoy how fast this cake was to prepare! The addition of rhubarb is delicious!
Eva Filer says
Thanks. Dump cakes are so perfect in a pinch!
Eva Filer says
I can't say enough how much I love this dessert. It is quick and simple, but FULL of flavor!
char keighan says
Love rubarb...This recipe is really quite easy. I left out the fresh strawberries and it was still delicious. easy to follow//ITS A HIT!!
Eva Filer says
So glad you love it! You can grab any favorite pie fill and mix it up! Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed it, Charlotte!