Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with the vibrant flavor of strawberries and the tangy punch of rhubarb. The buttery cake topping bakes to a golden, crisp perfection, creating a contrast of textures that makes each bite irresistible. Best of all, this dessert is incredibly easy to make—just dump everything into the pan and bake! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or craving a simple homemade treat, this dump cake is an easy and delicious solution. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use fresh or frozen fruit!

Ingredients

1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
2 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
1 box yellow or white cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, if your rhubarb is very tart)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
Add the chopped rhubarb on top of the strawberry pie filling. If your rhubarb is very tart, you can sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar over it before adding the cake mix.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the strawberry and rhubarb mixture. Do not stir—just spread the cake mix out evenly.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering as much as possible. It’s okay if some parts are not fully covered, as the butter will melt during baking and form a golden, crispy topping.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the dump cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10
Total Time: 45-50 minutes (includes baking time)

Variations

Fruit combinations: You can mix other fruits with the strawberries and rhubarb, like raspberries or blueberries, for a more complex flavor profile.
Crispier topping: For an extra-crispy topping, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the cake mix before baking.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, cozy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let the dump cake cool completely before storing. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire cake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries and rhubarb?

Yes, fresh strawberries and rhubarb work perfectly in this recipe. Just chop the rhubarb into small pieces and use the same measurements as you would for frozen fruit.

2. Can I make this with frozen strawberries or rhubarb?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. There’s no need to thaw them first; just use them directly from the freezer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to account for the added moisture from frozen fruit.

3. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use vanilla, white, or even a lemon cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile. Each will create a unique version of the dump cake.

4. Do I need to mix the cake mix with anything before using it?

No, you don’t need to mix the cake mix with anything. Just sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the fruit filling before adding the butter.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or microwave.

6. Can I use a different fruit instead of rhubarb?

Yes! You can substitute rhubarb with other fruits like peaches, apples, or blackberries for a different flavor. Keep in mind that some fruits may need a little extra sugar if they are tart.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure the other ingredients (like the pie filling) are also gluten-free.

8. Can I add a crumbly topping?

If you prefer a crumblier topping, you can mix some oats, brown sugar, and butter with the cake mix before sprinkling it over the fruit filling.

9. Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with a sugar-free cake mix if you’re looking to reduce sugar. You can also use sugar-free pie filling to lower the sugar content even more.

10. Can I serve this warm with ice cream?

Yes! Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert that combines the sweet-tart flavors of strawberry and rhubarb with a buttery, golden cake topping. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet delivers a comforting and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen fruit, this dump cake is a versatile dessert that you can make year-round. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream, and watch it become a crowd favorite in no time!