Cranberry Dump Cake is the epitome of dessert magic, where sweet and tart flavors dance together in a delightful union. Imagine biting into a warm slice, with bursts of tangy cranberries mingling with soft cake and buttery crumbs—it’s like a cozy hug from Grandma on a chilly day. This dish doesn’t just taste amazing; it’s the culinary equivalent of wearing your favorite fuzzy socks while binge-watching your favorite show.
This cake is not just for the holidays—though it shines during Thanksgiving—it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Picture yourself at a potluck, and as you unveil this beauty, everyone stares in awe. They’ll be lining up for seconds, and you’ll bask in the glory of being the dessert hero.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a kitchen novice.
- Its flavor balances sweet and tart perfectly, making it irresistible.
- The vibrant red cranberries add a pop of color that makes it visually appealing on any table.
- Enjoy it warm or chilled; this dessert adapts beautifully to any season or occasion.
Ingredients for Cranberry Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. If using fresh, look for plump berries that are bright in color.
- Cake Mix: A box of yellow cake mix creates the base for this recipe, adding sweetness and fluffiness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create that crumbly topping we all love.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the cranberries without overwhelming their tartness.
- Water: Just enough water to help bind everything together during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry 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 a baking dish (9×13 inch works beautifully) and grease it with nonstick cooking spray to keep things from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries
In a mixing bowl, combine your cranberries with granulated sugar and toss them gently until they’re all coated. This will help bring out their natural sweetness!
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Spread the sugared cranberries evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer acts as the flavorful base for your dump cake.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cranberries without stirring—let’s keep things simple! The dry mix will absorb moisture during baking.
Step 5: Pour Butter
Drizzle melted butter generously over the top of the cake mix. Don’t worry about covering every inch; some dry spots are totally fine—this creates texture!
Step 6: Bake
Place your masterpiece in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking!
Once done, allow it to cool slightly before serving—and trust me; you’ll want to dig in while it’s still warm! Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
This Cranberry Dump Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire; easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions! So gather your ingredients, turn up some music, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of pure bliss.
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry dump cake is not just a dessert; it’s a showstopper that practically prepares itself!
- The vibrant hues and sweet-tart aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery.
- Perfect for gatherings yet effortless enough for a weeknight treat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, mix the cranberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Then, layer them in a greased baking dish, sprinkle the cake mix on top, and pour melted butter evenly over everything. Bake until golden brown and bubbly!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries with other fruits like cherries or blueberries for different flavors. You can also add nuts for crunch or top it with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Get creative and make this dump cake truly yours!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover cranberry dump cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or reheat in the oven until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
I once brought this cranberry dump cake to a family gathering, and it disappeared faster than my cousin’s embarrassing dance moves! Everyone demanded the recipe, proving that even the simplest desserts can steal the spotlight.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Cranberry Dump Cake?
To make a delicious Cranberry Dump Cake, you will need a can of cranberry sauce, a box of yellow cake mix, butter, and chopped nuts or coconut if desired. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you don’t need to worry about mixing or preparing complex components. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish, and you’re ready to create a scrumptious dessert that will impress your guests.
How long does it take to bake Cranberry Dump Cake?
Baking Cranberry Dump Cake typically takes about 40-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it as it bakes; the top should turn golden brown and bubbly when it’s done. To ensure even cooking, check that the edges are set while the center is still slightly soft. This creates a perfect balance of textures in each bite.
Can I customize my Cranberry Dump Cake?
Absolutely! One of the best features of Cranberry Dump Cake is its versatility. You can swap out cranberry sauce for other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for a different flavor profile. Additionally, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the taste. You can even top it with whipped cream or ice cream before serving for an extra treat.
Is Cranberry Dump Cake suitable for a vegan diet?
While traditional Cranberry Dump Cake contains butter and cake mix made with eggs, you can easily adapt the recipe to be vegan-friendly. Use a plant-based butter substitute and find an egg-free cake mix or make your own using flour, sugar, baking powder, and plant-based milk. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert without compromising their dietary preferences.
Conclusion for Cranberry Dump Cake :
Cranberry Dump Cake is an effortless yet delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors in every bite. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, it’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to experiment with different fruit fillings and toppings to make this recipe your own. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it cold from the fridge, this dump cake offers comfort and satisfaction in every slice. Make sure to add this recipe to your collection; it’s bound to become a favorite!
Cranberry Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors in this easy-to-make Cranberry Dump Cake, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Cranberries: In a mixing bowl, combine cranberries and granulated sugar. Toss gently until cranberries are coated.
- Layer the Dish: Spread the sugared cranberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cranberries without stirring.
- Pour Butter: Drizzle melted butter generously over the top of the cake mix, ensuring some dry spots remain for texture.
- Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Feel free to substitute cranberries with cherries or blueberries for different flavor profiles.




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