When the holiday season rolls around, the air fills with the sweet scent of apples and cranberries mingling together like old friends at a reunion. The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines these two festive favorites into one easy-to-make treat. Imagine forkfuls of warm, spiced cake topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, melting into a delicious pool of fruity goodness. This dish not only looks stunning but also tastes like a hug from Grandma.
Picture this: It’s Christmas Eve, and your family is gathered around the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and telling stories. You pull out this showstopper from the oven, its golden crust glistening under twinkling fairy lights. Everyone’s eyes widen in anticipation as you serve up slices, each bite bursting with flavors that wrap you in nostalgia and warmth. Trust me; your kitchen will become the heart of your home with this delightful dessert.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Its rich flavor profile balances sweet and tart notes that everyone will adore.
- With its visually appealing layers of fruit and cake, it becomes the centerpiece of any festive gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round, not just during the holidays!
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: These add a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness; opt for unsweetened if you prefer less sugar.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice for dump cakes that provides a moist and tender crumb without much fuss.
- Butter: Melted butter enhances richness; use unsalted for better control over the final flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the dessert; feel free to sprinkle in some nutmeg or cloves for extra spice.
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. We want our cake to slide right out like it’s on a mission!
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
In a large mixing bowl, combine peeled and diced fresh apples with dried cranberries. Sprinkle in some cinnamon – about one teaspoon should do – and toss until everything is well-coated.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. This creates a delightful base full of flavor that will shine through as it bakes.
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layer without mixing it in – we’re building layers here! The cake mix will create that beloved crumbly topping as it bakes.
Step 5: Pour on Butter
Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix layer. Don’t be shy! Cover every bit so that it caramelizes beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Bake Away
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma will waft through your house like an irresistible holiday invitation!
Transfer to plates and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable finish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
You Must Know
- This delightful Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is the epitome of festive desserts.
- It combines tart cranberries and sweet apples in a warm, comforting embrace.
- Perfect for gatherings, this cake requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, start by preheating your oven. Then, layer the fruits before sprinkling on the cake mix. Finally, pour melted butter over everything and bake until golden and bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your dump cake by swapping out cranberries for blueberries or adding nuts for crunch. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the festive flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
After enjoying your dump cake, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh fruit for the best flavor; frozen can lead to excess moisture.
- Don’t skip the butter—it’s essential for that crispy topping.
- Lastly, allow your cake to cool slightly before serving to let flavors meld perfectly.
I once made this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake for a holiday gathering, and my relatives devoured it faster than I could say “dump cake.” The laughter and joy around the table were priceless!
FAQs :
What is an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
An Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a simple yet festive dessert that combines tart cranberries and sweet apples. The beauty of this cake lies in its ease of preparation; you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish. It typically includes canned or fresh apples, cranberry sauce, and a cake mix sprinkled on top, resulting in a deliciously moist cake with a crumbly topping.
How do I serve Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
You can serve Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake warm or at room temperature. For added indulgence, consider topping each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a delightful end to any festive meal.
Can I make Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it in advance and reheat individual portions in the microwave when it’s time for dessert. This allows you to enjoy the flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen during busy holiday celebrations.
What variations can I try with my Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
There are numerous ways to customize your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or substitute pears for apples for a different flavor profile. Experimenting with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg will enhance its warmth and aroma, making it even more festive. You might also try using different flavors of cake mix to create unique combinations.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake :
In summary, the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is an effortless yet scrumptious dessert that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Its combination of sweet and tart flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With straightforward preparation and endless customization options, this cake ensures that you can delight your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Embrace this festive treat for your next celebration!
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
Enjoy the comforting blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries in this simple, festive dump cake perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apples, peeled and diced (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if preferred)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced apples, dried cranberries, and cinnamon. Toss until fruits are well-coated.
- Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layer without mixing it in.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring all areas are covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for crunch. - For an extra festive flavor, sprinkle additional spices like nutmeg or cloves on top of the fruit layer before adding the cake mix.
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