The holidays are upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering how to impress your guests without spending the entire day in the kitchen. Enter the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake—a dessert so simple yet so festive that it practically decorates itself while you sip hot cocoa. Imagine biting into layers of sweet apples and tart cranberries, all topped with a crispy cake layer that’s as inviting as a warm holiday hug. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a culinary genius without even breaking a sweat.
I have fond memories of gathering around the table with family during Christmas, where laughter mingled with the aroma of baked goods wafting through the house. This dump cake is perfect for those moments—easy to whip up but impressive enough to steal the show. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive party, this dish promises to elevate your holiday experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- You’ll enjoy a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that evoke the spirit of the season.
- Its stunning presentation will impress your guests while making your dessert table look festive.
- This versatile cake can be served warm with ice cream or cold as a delightful treat.
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Apples: Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Dried Cranberries: Look for plump, juicy cranberries to add bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice that creates a light and fluffy texture; no fancy brands needed here!
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create that desirable crispy topping.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings out the flavors of both apples and cranberries beautifully.
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 a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks—because nobody likes a stuck cake on Christmas!
Step 2: Prepare Your Fruits
Peel, core, and slice your fresh apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, toss them together with dried cranberries and cinnamon until they’re well coated in that warm spice.
Step 3: Assemble Your Base
Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This fruity goodness will be the foundation for your cake masterpiece.
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Carefully sprinkle an even layer of yellow cake mix over the fruity base. No mixing required—just let it rain cake mix like confetti at a holiday party!
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Melt your unsalted butter and drizzle it generously over the cake mix layer. Don’t skimp on this step; it’s what gives you that heavenly crispy topping everyone loves!
Step 6: Bake Away
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like holiday magic.
Finally, serve this delectable dump cake warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra festive touch! Transfer generous portions onto plates, drizzling each slice with more cranberry sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
And there you have it—the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is not only an absolute delight but also an opportunity to create new memories around your dinner table this holiday season! Enjoy every bite while sharing stories with loved ones—it doesn’t get much better than that!
You Must Know
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a holiday miracle in a baking dish.
- With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this festive treat that will have everyone at your holiday gathering singing your praises.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven, then layer the apples and cranberries in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cake mix over the fruit, followed by melted butter. Bake until bubbly and golden for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dump cake! Swap out cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for crunch. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday spice, making it uniquely yours.
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 about 30 seconds or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly layered flavors, let the fruit sit with sugar for a few minutes before baking to enhance their sweetness.
- Use cold butter to create a deliciously crunchy topping.
- Don’t skip the ice cream; it’s a game changer for serving!
Sometimes I make this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake just to hear my daughter’s delighted squeals when she digs in—it’s pure joy on her face that makes it all worthwhile.
FAQs :
What is an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
An Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that combines fresh apples and tart cranberries, layered with a cake mix, and topped with butter. This easy-to-make dessert requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors results in a comforting dish that pairs well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
How do I store leftovers of Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
To store leftovers of your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container for added freshness. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or place them in the oven until heated through.
Can I make Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time. Prepare the cake as directed, then allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating it. For best results, bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can reheat the pre-made cake in the oven just before serving to restore its warmth and texture.
What variations can I try with Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
You can experiment with various ingredients to create unique versions of your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. You might also substitute pears for apples or mix in dried cranberries along with fresh ones to enhance flavor complexity. Each variation will bring a delightful twist to this classic holiday dessert.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake :
The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is an effortless yet impressive dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays. With its rich blend of flavors from apples and cranberries, this dump cake is sure to please your guests. Remember to store any leftovers properly and feel free to experiment with different variations to keep things exciting. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed alone, this dish truly embodies festive cheer!
Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this festive Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, a simple yet impressive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apples (sliced, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Your Fruits: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, dried cranberries, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Assemble Your Base: Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle on the Cake Mix: Evenly distribute the yellow cake mix over the fruit layer without mixing them together.
- Drizzle with Butter: Pour melted butter generously over the cake mix layer to create a crispy topping.
- Bake Away: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans. Substitute blueberries for cranberries for a different flavor twist. Allow fruits to sit with sugar for a few minutes before baking to enhance their sweetness.
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