Rhubarb Dump Cake
Bright, tart rhubarb meets golden buttery cake in this ridiculously easy dessert — just dump, bake, and enjoy!
This recipe takes me back to early summer afternoons at my aunt’s farmhouse. Her garden was overflowing with rhubarb, and she always made this cake without much fuss. The simplicity of the “dump and bake” method paired with the bold, tangy rhubarb flavor made it a favorite for everyone — especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
With only a handful of pantry ingredients and no mixing bowl required, this Rhubarb Dump Cake is perfect for last-minute gatherings, lazy weekends, or when you want something that tastes like you worked all day on it.
Ingredients
| Fresh or frozen rhubarb (chopped) | 4 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) | 1 box (3 oz) |
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ¾ cup (1½ sticks) |
| Water | 1 cup (optional for extra moisture) |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread chopped rhubarb evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle sugar over the rhubarb, followed by the strawberry gelatin.
- Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the top — do not stir!
- Drizzle melted butter evenly across the entire surface. (Optional: Pour 1 cup of water evenly for a gooier texture.)
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | 380 |
| Sugar | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 2g |
Printable Summary
| Quick View | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Servings | 8–10 |
| Difficulty | Super easy |
FAQs
Q: Can I use other fruit instead of rhubarb?
Yes! Try chopped apples, raspberries, or even peaches — but adjust sugar to taste.
Q: What if I don’t have strawberry Jell-O?
You can skip it or use raspberry gelatin for a similar flavor. The Jell-O adds sweetness and color.
Q: Can I use gluten-free cake mix?
Absolutely! Just follow the same process — it’s very forgiving.
