Name: 4-Ingredient Rhubarb Cream Cheese Dump Cake – A Sweet, Tangy Treat Made Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped rhubarb; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 box yellow cake mix (dry); 8 oz cream cheese, softened

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Looking for a dessert that’s as effortless as it is irresistible? This Rhubarb Cream Cheese Dump Cake is your answer. With just four simple ingredients, you’ll bake up a sweet-tart wonder layered with creamy richness and golden, crumbly topping. It’s homestyle baking at its easiest—and tastiest.

Perfect for spring gatherings, cozy weeknight desserts, or whenever you have fresh rhubarb on hand, this dump cake is comfort in every bite. A little tangy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason dump cakes never go out of style. This one hits all the right notes:

Easy as can be – Just layer and bake. No mixing bowls, no fuss.
Only 4 ingredients – Simple staples come together beautifully.
Sweet meets tart – Rhubarb’s zing plays perfectly with creamy richness.
Versatile & crowd-pleasing – Great warm with ice cream or cool with coffee.
Perfect for beginners – If you can chop and sprinkle, you can make this cake!

Prep & Cooking Time

This dessert takes just a few minutes of prep and rewards you with nearly an hour of sweet, bubbling bliss.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

You only need four ingredients to make this beautiful dessert:

4 cups chopped rhubarb – fresh and vibrant
1 cup granulated sugar – for that sweet-tart contrast
1 box yellow cake mix (dry) – for an easy, golden topping
8 oz cream cheese, softened – adds creamy pockets of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

2. Add the Rhubarb:
Evenly spread the chopped rhubarb across the bottom of the prepared dish.

3. Sprinkle the Sugar:
Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the rhubarb, coating it generously. This will balance the tartness and help create a juicy base.

4. Top with Cake Mix:
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the sugared rhubarb. Don’t mix—just layer!

5. Dot with Cream Cheese:
Spoon small dollops of softened cream cheese all over the top of the cake mix layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect—the unevenness adds charm.

6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. The cream cheese should be slightly browned.

7. Cool & Serve:
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm on its own, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Serve

This cake is delicious straight from the pan, but here are a few ways to enjoy it even more:

With Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts beautifully over the warm cake.
As a Brunch Dessert: Serve slightly chilled with coffee or tea.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a fluffy dollop right before serving.
With Fresh Strawberries: A few fresh berries brighten the rhubarb flavor even more.

Tips & Variations

Make It Extra Sweet: Add ½ cup strawberry jam over the rhubarb for more sweetness and depth.
Try Different Cake Mixes: White or butter cake mix can work too!
No Cream Cheese? Sub with dollops of mascarpone or ricotta for a different twist.
Add Texture: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or oats before baking for a little crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Final Thoughts

This 4-Ingredient Rhubarb Cream Cheese Dump Cake proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most comforting. Tangy rhubarb, sugary richness, soft cream cheese, and a golden cake topping—it’s a dessert you’ll come back to every spring. Bake it once, and you’ll always keep rhubarb on hand.

Whether you’re feeding guests or just yourself, this cake makes any moment feel special.