Cranberry Dump Cake is like a warm hug on a cold day—comforting, sweet, and a little bit messy, just like life itself. Picture this: the rich aroma of baked cranberries mingling with the buttery scent of cake mix wafting through your kitchen, making your heart do a little jig. Each bite delivers a delightful explosion of tartness from the cranberries, perfectly balanced by the sugary goodness of the cake. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to dive in with a spoon, regardless of the occasion.
I still remember the first time I made this cake for Thanksgiving. My uncle took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread!” Now, that may not seem like high praise coming from him—he thinks ketchup is a vegetable—but in that moment, I felt like a culinary genius. Perfect for holidays or any gathering where people need a sugar fix, this Cranberry Dump Cake is bound to become your new favorite go-to treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish.
- The flavor profile offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Its golden crust and vibrant cranberry filling make it visually appealing for any dessert table.
- Versatile enough to adapt to various fruits or toppings based on your cravings!
Ingredients for Cranberry Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use canned or homemade; just ensure it’s smooth for even distribution.
- Cake Mix: A classic yellow cake mix works best for that perfect sweetness.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; melted is key!
- Eggs: Two large eggs add moisture and structure to your cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor, making it even more delicious.
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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent any sticky surprises later on.
Step 2: Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Pour your cranberry sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This layer will be bursting with flavor once baked!
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Mix
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with melted butter and eggs. Stir until well blended but don’t overmix—lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 4: Pour Over Cranberries
Carefully pour the cake batter over the cranberry layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it out if needed; think of it as frosting but without all that fuss.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your delightful creation cool for about ten minutes before serving. Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Cranberry Dump Cake brings joy with every bite and effortless delight when served warm straight from the oven—perfect for cozy gatherings or solo indulgence while binge-watching your favorite show!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry dump cake is not just an easy dessert; it’s a burst of flavor that makes gatherings extra special.
- The bright red cranberries and sweet cake mix create a visual treat, perfect for any occasion.
- It’s the kind of dessert that makes you the star of the show without breaking a sweat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grab a baking dish and layer the cranberries evenly. Sprinkle cake mix on top, then gently pour melted butter over it. Bake until golden brown and bubbly for about 45 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Want to make it your own? Swap cranberries for blueberries or cherries for a different zing! Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top never hurts either!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a minute or two or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart kick, but frozen ones work just as well if you need convenience.
- Make sure to spread the butter evenly to avoid dry spots.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors.
I remember the first time I made cranberry dump cake for a potluck. Everyone raved about it! One friend even asked if I could whip up another batch right there!
FAQs :
What is a Cranberry Dump Cake?
Cranberry Dump Cake is a simple dessert that combines fresh or canned cranberries with a cake mix to create a deliciously sweet and tart treat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease; you essentially “dump” all the ingredients together in a baking dish. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want a quick yet impressive dessert.
How do I make Cranberry Dump Cake from scratch?
To make Cranberry Dump Cake from scratch, start by preparing the cranberry filling using fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice. Spread this mixture in a greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle a dry cake mix over the top and finish with melted butter. Bake until golden brown and bubbly. This method ensures you have complete control over the flavors and sweetness.
Can I use different fruits in my dump cake?
Absolutely! While the focus here is on Cranberry Dump Cake, you can substitute cranberries with other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or peaches. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the fruit’s moisture content. Experimenting with different fruits can lead to new favorite variations!
How should I store leftover Cranberry Dump Cake?
Store leftover Cranberry Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual portions; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion for Cranberry Dump Cake :
Cranberry Dump Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that offers delightful flavors and textures. Its combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake mix makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, this recipe won’t disappoint. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can enjoy this delightful treat any time of year!
Cranberry Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Cranberry Dump Cake—a simple yet delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries with sweet cake mix, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) cranberry sauce
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the cranberry sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just blended; lumps are okay.
- Pour the cake batter over the cranberry layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it out if necessary.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for about ten minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added texture, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips. - You can swap cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or cherries for a different flavor profile. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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