If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s easy, colorful, and downright delicious, then you’re going to love this Rainbow Chip Dump Cake. Imagine a cake that practically makes itself—just dump in your ingredients, bake, and voilà! You’ve got a sweet, buttery, rainbow-infused cake that’s perfect for any celebration or whenever you need a little sugar pick-me-up. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love Rainbow Chip Dump Cake
- So Simple: No mixing, no fuss. Just dump the ingredients and let the oven work its magic.
- Bright and Fun: Those colorful rainbow chips make this cake a total showstopper. It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, parties, or even just a fun family night.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cake mix, butter, and rainbow chips creates a gooey, sweet, and slightly crispy cake that’s pure comfort.
- Versatile: You can swap out the rainbow chips for other fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even crushed-up cookies. It’s your cake, your way!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, who can resist the charm of a cake that’s as beautiful as it is tasty? It’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults!

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Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Boxed Cake Mix: Yellow or white cake mix works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with others if you like.
- Rainbow Chips: These vibrant little chips are the stars of the show, adding both color and flavor to the cake.
- Butter: You’ll need melted butter to make the cake moist and help create that perfect gooey texture.
- Water: Just a little to help the cake mix come together. You could also use milk if you prefer.
For Extra Fun (optional):
- Sprinkles: If you want to add an extra pop of color, a handful of sprinkles can make the cake even more festive.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will make sure your cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Dump the Ingredients
This is the easiest step—no mixing needed! Dump the cake mix into the prepared pan. Then, sprinkle the rainbow chips evenly over the top. Pour the melted butter over everything, making sure it covers most of the cake mix. Don’t worry if some of the mix is still dry—it’s part of the charm!
Step 3: Bake
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cake is bubbling around the edges. The middle should still be soft and gooey—kind of like a cobbler.
Step 4: Let It Cool (Sort of)
Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. It’s okay if it’s still a little warm; in fact, it makes it even more irresistible. Serve it up while it’s still a bit gooey for that extra melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into the cake and serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. The colorful sprinkles on top are a fun finishing touch if you want to go all out!
How to Serve Rainbow Chip Dump Cake
- Parties and Birthdays: This cake is a perfect addition to any celebration. It’s colorful and cheerful, and it always looks impressive!
- Family Dessert: Serve it as a weeknight treat that’ll make everyone’s day a little brighter.
- With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: If you’re craving an extra indulgent treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- As a Potluck Dish: Need something quick and easy to bring to a potluck? This dump cake is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to transport!
Additional Tips
- Customize the Chips: If you can’t find rainbow chips, feel free to use chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped-up candy bars. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for a unique twist!
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the cake mix for a gluten-free version if you need to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Leftovers?: If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds to make it warm and gooey again!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A1: Definitely! You can use chocolate cake mix, strawberry cake mix, or any other flavor you like. Just keep in mind that the cake will have a different flavor profile depending on the cake mix you choose.
Q2: Can I add more chips or toppings to the cake?
A2: Absolutely! You can add extra rainbow chips, chocolate chips, or even candy pieces to amp up the sweetness. A sprinkle of sprinkles or chopped nuts can also add texture and fun!
Q3: Is it okay if the cake is a little gooey in the middle?
A3: Yes! The gooey texture in the center is part of what makes this cake so delicious. It’s similar to a cobbler or a crumble, with a warm, soft center and a crisp edge. It’s meant to be a bit messy—and that’s the best part!
Q4: Can I make this in advance?
A4: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can even serve it cold if you prefer, but it’s extra delicious when served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Q5: How can I make it dairy-free?
A5: To make this cake dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and make sure the cake mix is also dairy-free (there are several available). You can also swap out the butter for vegetable oil if you prefer.
Q6: Can I use a 9×9-inch pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan?
A6: Yes, you can! Just know that it may take a little longer to bake since the cake will be thicker. Start checking after about 45 minutes and bake until golden brown.
Q7: What other mix-ins can I add to the cake?
A7: Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped-up candy bars, nuts, or even some marshmallows for a fun texture. The sky’s the limit!
Q8: What if I don’t have rainbow chips?
A8: No worries! You can easily swap rainbow chips for regular chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even crushed-up candy for a fun twist.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! If you need a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a little longer to cook through.
Q10: Can I freeze the cake?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw it before serving.
Conclusion
This Rainbow Chip Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something quick, colorful, and oh-so-tasty. The vibrant rainbow chips add a playful touch to the rich, buttery cake, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this dump cake will hit the spot every time. Get ready to indulge in this gooey, fun, and delicious treat—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Rainbow Chip Dump Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
This fun and colorful Rainbow Chip Dump Cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a vibrant, sweet treat that’s packed with rainbow chips and topped with a buttery, golden crust. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a fun and easy dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup rainbow chips (or colored chocolate chips)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or your favorite fruit pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pie filling, covering it evenly (do not stir).
- Sprinkle the rainbow chips over the cake mix.
- Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix and chips. Ensure that the butter is spread evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden and bubbly around the edges. The top should be firm to the touch, and the cake mix will have formed a golden crust.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Notes
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings, such as apple, blueberry, or strawberry, depending on your preference.
- The rainbow chips can be swapped with regular chocolate chips or any colored candy or chips you like.
- For an extra indulgent treat, you can serve it with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (out of 12)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg