The aroma of warm apple and tart cranberry wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is like a warm hug after a long day, with its gooey layers and sweet-tart flavor that dances on your taste buds.
Imagine coming home to this delightful dessert, ready to share with family during the holidays. It’s as if every bite whispers, “Enjoy the season!” Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to brighten your day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare; no baking expertise required.
- The flavors blend perfectly, creating a sweet-tart masterpiece.
- Its beautiful colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any holiday table.
- Enjoy it warm with ice cream or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apple Pie Filling: Use a good-quality filling for an authentic flavor; homemade works wonders if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use canned or homemade sauce; opt for whole berry for a chunky texture.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A box mix saves time and ensures consistent results—it’s the secret weapon of dump cakes.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; don’t skimp on this ingredient—it’s essential!
- Cinnamon: Just a dash elevates the flavors and brings that warm, festive vibe into play.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking, so your cake comes out golden brown and delicious every time.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier—because nobody wants to scrub baked-on dessert!
Step 3: Combine Fruit Fillings
In the prepared dish, layer the apple pie filling evenly at the bottom. Spread cranberry sauce over the apples, making sure every inch is covered in fruity goodness.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. No mixing is necessary! Just let it rain cake mix over your fruity foundation like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. This creates a golden crust while baking—a buttery blanket that will make everyone swoon!
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving. Transfer to plates and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is not just easy but also brings together flavors that are perfect for celebrating the season. With each bite, you’ll taste nostalgia and joy wrapped in one delightful dessert! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- This delightful Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen.
- With minimal effort, you can whip up this festive treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering.
- Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a truly cozy experience.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 350°F while you gather ingredients. Mix your apples and cranberries in a bowl, then pour them into a greased baking dish. Finally, sprinkle the cake mix on top and bake until golden brown for the perfect sweet ending.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or pears if you’re feeling adventurous. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor even more. You can also add nuts for crunch or drizzle caramel on top for an extra treat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick indulgence without losing that delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart burst of flavor; they really make this dump cake shine.
- Be careful not to overbake; you want that gooey center!
- If using frozen fruit, thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing.
I remember the first time I made this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake. My family was skeptical at first but went back for seconds! The laughter around the table was priceless as we fought over the last scoop.
FAQs :
What is an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of tart cranberries and sweet apples. This simple recipe requires minimal effort; you essentially “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a warm and comforting treat that pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How long does it take to prepare the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
Preparation time for the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is quite short. You can typically get everything ready in about 15 minutes. Once you mix all your ingredients together in a baking dish, you will need to bake it for about 45-50 minutes. This makes it an ideal dessert for busy holiday schedules, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones rather than in the kitchen.
Can I use fresh cranberries for this dump cake?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cranberries in your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake. Fresh cranberries will provide a vibrant flavor and texture that enhances the dish. Just remember to wash them thoroughly before adding them to your mixture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adjusting the sugar content since fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones.
What should I serve with my Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
Serving suggestions for your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake include a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. These additions complement the warm flavors beautifully and add a creamy contrast to the cake’s texture. You might also consider serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness during festive celebrations.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake :
In summary, the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of holiday flavors with minimal effort. Its combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a deliciously comforting treat perfect for any celebration. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delightful dessert warm, topped with ice cream or whipped cream, for an unforgettable seasonal indulgence!
Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm and gooey, this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake blends sweet-tart flavors, making it the ultimate festive dessert that requires minimal effort to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) Apple Pie Filling
- 1 can (16 oz) Cranberry Sauce
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer the apple pie filling evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer without mixing.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of the cake (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Substitute cranberries with fresh cherries or pears for a twist. Add nuts for extra crunch or drizzle caramel on top for added sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
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