The aroma of baked apples mingling with tart cranberries, wafting through the kitchen like a warm hug from Grandma, is exactly what you need during the holiday season. Picture this: A golden, bubbling dump cake crowned with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream, its texture inviting you to dig right in. If you’ve ever tasted an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, you know what I mean. And if you haven’t? Well, let me be the fairy godmother who sprinkles some culinary magic into your life.
Now, let’s get real for a moment. This dish isn’t just about flavors; it’s about memories. I remember my first attempt at making this delightful dessert while wearing a Santa hat—because obviously, that’s essential for baking festive treats. The chaos of flour explosions and spilled cranberries was worth every laugh and every sticky finger as we gathered around the table, ready to savor every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This fabulous Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make, so even your pet goldfish could whip it up (if they had hands).
- The contrasting flavors of sweet apples and tart cranberries create a symphony of deliciousness that dances on your palate.
- Visually stunning with its golden hue and bubbly topping, it makes any holiday table shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
- Perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a last-minute potluck savior!
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apple Pie Filling: Use canned or homemade filling; both work well but don’t skimp on quality.
- Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or canned; just ensure it’s not too sweet to balance out the apples.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice that brings moisture and sweetness; opt for a good-quality mix.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and creates that signature crust; no substitutes here!
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm holiday flavor; adjust based on personal preference.
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). Grab your favorite baking dish (9×13 inches works great) and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then add dollops of cranberry sauce on top—don’t be shy! This will create an irresistible fruity base.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers. No mixing required here! Just let it rain cake mix like you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Step 4: Add Butter
Pour melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix. You want every part of that cake mix to soak up all that buttery goodness.
Step 5: Season with Cinnamon
Sprinkle ground cinnamon generously over the top—because who doesn’t love more cinnamon during Christmas? It’s like giving your dump cake a cozy blanket.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Trust me; you’ll want to stick around just to smell this masterpiece baking!
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday miracle in a pan.
- With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it brings the festive spirit right to your table.
- You can toss in some nuts or swap fruits for even more fun!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Toss the apples and cranberries with sugar and spices in a bowl. Then, pour them into your baking dish before sprinkling the cake mix on top. Drizzle melted butter generously, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Substitute pears for apples, throw in some walnuts or pecans for crunch, or experiment with seasonal spices like nutmeg and ginger. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes—perfectly cozy!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the fruit mixture before baking.
- Use fresh cranberries when possible for that tart kick.
- Remember not to overbake; keep an eye out for that golden crust!
The first time I made this dump cake, my friends couldn’t believe how easy it was. They devoured it faster than I could say “holiday cheer,” and now it’s a staple at every gathering!
FAQs:
What is an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
An Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a simple and delightful dessert perfect for the holiday season. This cake combines layers of spiced apples and tart cranberries topped with a buttery cake mix, creating a warm and comforting treat. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy holiday gatherings. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its flavor and make it even more festive.
How do I store leftovers of the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
To store leftovers of your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you would like to enjoy it later, consider freezing individual portions by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months.
Can I make the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time! To do this, assemble all ingredients, but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. This way, you can save time during busy holiday festivities while still serving a delicious dessert.
What variations can I try with my Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
There are several fun variations you can try with your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake. For example, you can substitute fresh or frozen berries for cranberries or add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Another option is to sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over the top layer before baking for extra warmth in flavor. You might also consider drizzling caramel sauce on top after baking for a sweet twist that will impress your guests.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake:
In summary, the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a festive and uncomplicated dessert that brings joy to any holiday gathering. Its layers of flavorful fruit combined with a buttery topping create a delightful treat that everyone will love. With easy preparation and minimal cleanup required, this recipe allows you to focus on spending quality time with loved ones during the holidays. Don’t forget to serve it warm with ice cream for an unforgettable finish!
Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of baked apples and tart cranberries with this easy-to-make dump cake, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy family moments.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 can (14 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).
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add dollops of cranberry sauce on top of the apple filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers without mixing.
- Drizzle melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon generously over the top.
- Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Substitute pears for apples or add walnuts/pecans for extra crunch. Experiment with seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
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