Summer is the perfect time for sweet treats, and this strawberry rhubarb dump cake is a hit. It’s made with just five ingredients. This easy recipe turns simple items into a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
This 5-ingredient cake is all about simplicity. It combines fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb for a great taste. The buttery cake on top brings it all together. It’s perfect for summer parties or a quick dessert on the weekend.
Whether you’re new to baking or have been doing it for years, this recipe is a winner. It’s quick to make and tastes amazing, thanks to just a few ingredients.
Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
Making a tasty strawberry rhubarb dessert starts with the right ingredients. This easy cake mix recipe needs a few key parts. They come together to make a delicious treat.
- 1 pound fresh rhubarb, cut into ¼-inch slices
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O mix
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Choosing top-notch ingredients is key for this strawberry rhubarb dump cake. Rhubarb adds a tart taste, while strawberry Jell-O brings sweetness. Fresh rhubarb is best for the best flavor and texture.
Pro tip for home bakers: Adding fresh strawberries with the rhubarb boosts the fruit flavor. This makes the dessert more complex. If you like, make your own cake mix for an extra touch.
The simplicity of this ingredients list is its charm. With just a few items from your pantry, you can make a dessert that wows everyone. Each ingredient is important for the cake’s special sweet-tart taste.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
The dump cake method is a game-changer for home bakers. It’s easy and perfect for both new and experienced cooks. This no-mix dessert makes baking simple.
To make this tasty strawberry rhubarb dessert, follow a few easy steps. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light butter coating.
- Spread fresh rhubarb evenly across the bottom of the baking dish
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the rhubarb layer
- Distribute strawberry gelatin mix uniformly
- Pour dry cake mix directly on top without mixing
- Drizzle melted butter and water over the entire surface
The dump cake method is all about simplicity. You don’t need to mix ingredients or use many bowls. Just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the rest.
Bake the cake for about 45 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is tender. This dessert is rustic, delicious, and easy to make.
Tips for Making Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
Creating the perfect strawberry rhubarb dump cake needs some essential tips. These tips can make your dessert go from good to amazing. Choosing the right ingredients is key to making a treat that will wow your loved ones.
Here are some tips for working with rhubarb to get the best results:
- Choose fresh, firm rhubarb stalks with a bright color
- Trim and chop rhubarb into uniform pieces for even cooking
- Mix rhubarb with strawberries to balance tartness and sweetness
- Adjust sugar levels based on the ripeness of your fruit
Here are some tricks to make your dump cake even better:
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing
- Spread cake mix evenly without stirring to create a crispy top layer
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving for best texture
Pro tip: Serve the dump cake chilled for a firmer consistency. Refrigerating it for a couple of hours makes it easier to slice. It also enhances the flavor mix of strawberries and rhubarb.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead is a game-changer for this delightful strawberry rhubarb dump cake. You can prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours before serving. This make-ahead approach simplifies your cooking and can even improve the cake’s flavor.
Here are key steps to prepare dump cake in advance:
- Assemble the entire cake in your baking dish
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to reach room temperature
The beauty of this make-ahead dessert is its flexibility. Preparing the cake in advance lets the fruit’s juices mix with the cake mix. This creates deeper, more complex flavors. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and enjoy a perfectly prepared dessert with minimal effort.
Pro tip: If you’re preparing the dump cake more than a few hours ahead, wait to add the butter topping until just before baking. This ensures a crisp, golden texture.
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftover dump cake right is key to keeping its taste and texture. By using the right methods, you can enjoy your strawberry rhubarb dessert for days after baking.
For keeping desserts fresh, the fridge is best. Put your leftover dump cake in a sealed container to keep moisture in. Use plastic wrap or foil to cover it tightly, keeping air out.
- Refrigeration temperature: 40°F or below
- Maximum storage time: 4 days
- Recommended container: Sealed glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid
To keep it fresh, put a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This absorbs extra moisture and keeps the cake from getting soggy. Also, keep it away from foods with strong smells to keep its flavor.
Freezing is great for longer storage. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen, it stays good for up to 2 months.
- Freezer temperature: 0°F or below
- Maximum freezer storage: 2 months
- Recommended wrapping: Double layer (plastic wrap + aluminum foil)
Before eating, let the cake come to room temperature. This warming brings back its moistness and flavor.
Freezing Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
Keeping your strawberry rhubarb dump cake fresh for a long time is simple. Freezing it lets you enjoy it weeks later.
To freeze your cake right, follow these steps:
- Cool the cake completely before freezing
- Use airtight, freezer-safe containers
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil
- Label with the date of freezing
Thawing your cake correctly is key to keep it tasty and moist. To thaw, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw slowly in the fridge.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 4 days | Cover with plastic wrap |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 2 months | Double-wrap in plastic and foil |
For long-term storage, make sure the cake is cool and dry. This stops ice crystals and keeps the cake’s texture.
Pro tip: Enjoy your frozen dump cake within two months for the best taste.
Reheating Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
Enjoying a warm dump cake is a simple joy. Reheating your strawberry rhubarb dump cake can bring back that fresh taste and texture. You have several tasty ways to do this.
Good dessert reheating tips can help you serve it warm. This keeps the cake’s original flavor. Here are two main ways to warm up your dump cake:
- Oven Method (Recommended)
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Cover cake with aluminum foil to prevent drying
- Heat for 10-15 minutes
- Microwave Method (Quick Option)
- Place individual slice on microwave-safe plate
- Heat for 20-30 seconds
- Check temperature and adjust as needed
Pro tip: Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to your warm dump cake. It boosts the flavor and adds a nice contrast in temperature.
| Reheating Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Maintains crisp topping | Longer heating time |
| Microwave | Quick and convenient | Can make cake soggy |
Remember, gentle reheating is important. It keeps your strawberry rhubarb dump cake’s texture delicate. Avoid overheating to keep the dessert moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Make your strawberry rhubarb dump cake stand out with creative toppings. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice. It adds a creamy touch that contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.
For a fancy touch, top it with whipped cream or powdered sugar. Add fresh mint leaves or sliced strawberries for a pop of color and flavor. These ideas are perfect for both family dinners and fancy parties.
Pairing the right drink with your dessert can make it even better. Try a glass of sparkling rosé or a cup of Earl Grey tea. These drinks match the cake’s sweet and tart flavors. They’re great for summer barbecues or afternoon get-togethers.
When serving, use individual ramekins or elegant plates. A sprinkle of cinnamon or caramel sauce can make it even more special. The goal is to end your meal with a sweet memory.