Easy Rhubarb and Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe

This Rhubarb and Strawberry Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for spring and summer! It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight treat. The tartness of the rhubarb beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delicious and balanced flavor profile. The buttery, crumbly topping adds the perfect finishing touch. If you’re looking for a fuss-free dessert that’s bursting with flavor, this dump cake is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and just a few pantry staples. No complicated steps or fancy techniques are needed.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of rhubarb and strawberries creates a sweet and tart flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use other fruits or cake mixes.
* **Perfect for Potlucks:** This dump cake travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Minimal Clean-Up:** Since it’s all baked in one dish, clean-up is a breeze!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Rhubarb:** Fresh or frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw it slightly and drain off any excess liquid.
* **Strawberries:** Fresh strawberries are best, but you can also use frozen strawberries. If using frozen, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid.
* **Yellow Cake Mix:** A standard box of yellow cake mix is the base of the topping. You can also use white or butter pecan cake mix.
* **Butter:** Melted butter is poured over the cake mix to create a crumbly topping. You can use salted or unsalted butter.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is added to the rhubarb and strawberries to sweeten them.
* **Cornstarch (Optional):** If your rhubarb and strawberries are very juicy, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
* **Vanilla Extract (Optional):** A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a touch of flavor to the filling.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This is the standard size for a dump cake.
* **Mixing Bowls:** To combine the fruit and sugar.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the rhubarb and strawberries.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this incredibly easy Rhubarb and Strawberry Dump Cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Fruit**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Wash and chop the rhubarb into ½-inch pieces. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it slightly and drain off any excess liquid.
* Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries into ¼-inch slices. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid.

**Step 2: Combine the Fruit and Sugar**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb and sliced strawberries.
* Add the granulated sugar (and cornstarch and vanilla extract, if using) to the fruit mixture.
* Gently toss everything together to coat the fruit evenly. This will help the fruit release its juices and create a delicious sauce.

**Step 3: Pour into Baking Dish**

* Pour the fruit mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom of the dish.

**Step 4: Add the Cake Mix**

* Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the fruit.
* Do not mix the cake mix with the fruit.

**Step 5: Drizzle with Butter**

* Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
* Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This will help create a golden brown and crispy topping.

**Step 6: Bake**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
* The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

**Step 7: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the fruit filling to thicken slightly.
* Serve warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

## Tips for the Best Rhubarb and Strawberry Dump Cake

* **Don’t overmix the fruit:** When combining the fruit and sugar, be gentle to avoid breaking down the fruit too much.
* **Evenly distribute the cake mix:** Make sure the dry cake mix is spread evenly over the fruit to ensure a consistent topping.
* **Don’t skip the butter:** The melted butter is essential for creating the crispy, crumbly topping. Be sure to drizzle it evenly over the cake mix.
* **Adjust baking time as needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it cool:** Allowing the dump cake to cool slightly before serving will help the fruit filling thicken and prevent it from being too runny.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Other fruits:** Try using other fruits in this recipe, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or apples. You can use a combination of fruits, or just one type of fruit.
* **Different cake mixes:** Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as white cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or even chocolate cake mix.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the fruit mixture for extra warmth and flavor.
* **Lemon zest:** Add lemon zest to the filling for a brighter flavor.
* **Vegan option:** Use a vegan cake mix and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve warm:** This dump cake is best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.
* **Top with ice cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the sweet and tart flavors of the cake.
* **Add whipped cream:** A dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping adds a light and airy touch.
* **Drizzle with sauce:** Drizzle with a simple glaze or a homemade fruit sauce.
* **Add a sprinkle of nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Leftover dump cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* **Freeze:** Dump cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A rough estimate per serving (based on 12 servings) is:

* Calories: 300-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 2-3g

## Recipe Card

**Rhubarb and Strawberry Dump Cake**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 10 minutes
**Servings:** 12

**Ingredients:**

* 4 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
* 4 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
* 1 box (15-18 oz) yellow cake mix
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) melted butter

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch (if using), and vanilla extract (if using). Toss gently to coat.
3. Pour fruit mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit mixture.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbly.
7. Let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature, with ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen fruit?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb and strawberries. Thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

**Q: Can I use a different cake mix?**

A: Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors. White cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or even chocolate cake mix would all be delicious.

**Q: Can I add nuts to the topping?**

A: Yes, chopped nuts would add a nice crunch and flavor to the topping. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be great choices.

**Q: How do I store leftover dump cake?**

A: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Q: Can I freeze dump cake?**

A: Yes, dump cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: Why is my dump cake runny?**

A: If your dump cake is too runny, it could be due to using too much fruit or not enough cornstarch (if using). Make sure to drain off any excess liquid from the fruit before using it, and add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the fruit mixture to help thicken it.

**Q: The topping is getting too brown. What can I do?**

A: If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**Q: My cake mix is clumping. What do I do?**

A: If your cake mix is clumping, try sifting it before adding it to the fruit mixture. This will help to break up any clumps and ensure that the cake mix is evenly distributed.

**Q: How do I know when the dump cake is done?**

A: The dump cake is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the topping; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

## Conclusion

This Rhubarb and Strawberry Dump Cake is a simple yet satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor combination make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and potlucks alike. The sweet and tart rhubarb and strawberries, paired with the buttery cake mix topping, create a delightful treat that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this easy and delicious dump cake!