Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
A deliciously easy dessert that combines tangy rhubarb with sweet strawberries beneath a buttery cake mix topping. Perfect for when you want a homestyle dessert without the fuss!
Essential Ingredients
For the Fruit Layer:
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Butter a 9×13 baking dish
- Clean and chop rhubarb (1/2-inch pieces)
- Hull and slice strawberries
- Gather remaining ingredients
Step 2: Make Filling
- In large bowl, combine:
- Chopped rhubarb
- Sliced strawberries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Lemon zest
- Transfer to baking dish
Step 3: Create Topping
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over fruit
- Pour melted butter over entire surface
- Sprinkle with oats and nuts
- Do not stir layers together
Step 4: Baking
- Bake 45-55 minutes until:
- Top is golden brown
- Fruit is bubbling
- Center is set
- Cool 15-20 minutes before serving
Pro Tips
- For Perfect Results:
- Use fresh fruit when available
- Cover all dry cake mix with butter
- Don’t mix the layers
- Check at 45 minutes
- Make-Ahead Options:
- Prep fruit the night before
- Store in refrigerator
- Assemble right before baking
Storage Tips
- Counter: 2 days covered
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Reheat individual servings
- Don’t freeze baked cake
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Extra berries
Perfect for:
- Casual desserts
- Potluck events
- Family dinners
- Summer gatherings
Remember:
- Don’t skip the cornstarch
- Cover all dry spots with butter
- Let cool slightly
- Best served warm
This dump cake is wonderfully simple yet delivers amazing flavor. The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist!