Irresistible Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake Recipe

Winter is here, and with it comes the delightful aroma of baking fruits mingling in the kitchen. Imagine the sweet scent of ripe pears and tangy cranberries wafting through your home, creating a warm embrace that invites everyone to gather around the table. This is precisely what you’ll experience when you whip up a Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake.

Now, before you start thinking about elaborate desserts that require a degree in pastry arts, let me assure you: this cake is as easy as pie (or should I say cake?). With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks like it came from a five-star restaurant. So grab your apron and prepare for an adventure in flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients for Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pears: Use ripe pears like Bosc or Bartlett for their sweetness and softness; they break down beautifully during baking.
• Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries if possible; they add a tart punch that balances the sweetness of the pears.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A standard yellow cake mix brings simplicity to this recipe while giving it an airy texture.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness; don’t be shy—use enough to ensure a crispy topping.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the warmth of the dish, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Winter Pear and 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). While it’s heating up, grab a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your cake doesn’t play hide-and-seek with you after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Fruit

Peel and slice the pears into thin pieces. Toss them into the baking dish along with fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed. You want each spoonful of cake to have a bit of both!

Step 3: Add Some Sweetness

Sprinkle some sugar over the fruit mixture to amp up its sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a dash of lemon juice for extra zing—your taste buds will thank you later.

Step 4: Mix It Up

In a separate bowl, combine your yellow cake mix with ground cinnamon. Pour this dry mixture evenly over your fruit layer, ensuring no fruity area is left uncovered—this is where the magic happens.

Step 5: Butter It Up

Melt your butter and drizzle it generously over the dry cake mix. Don’t skimp on this step; we want a golden crust!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will be so intoxicating; you’ll wonder if you’ve just entered dessert heaven.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an added treat. Transfer it onto plates or serve straight from the baking dish—who doesn’t love rustic charm?

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the ultimate Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake, start by preheating your oven while you prep the ingredients. Mix the fruits, sprinkle the cake mix on top, pour in melted butter, then let the oven do its magic.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your dump cake with alternative fruits like apples or blueberries. Adding nuts can introduce a delightful crunch, while spices like cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile. Experimentation is encouraged!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover dump cake 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 at 350°F until heated through to maintain its deliciousness.

Sometimes I like to make this dump cake just to watch my friends get overly excited when they see it come out of the oven—it’s like dessert magic!

FAQs:

What is a Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake?

A Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the tartness of cranberries. This easy-to-make cake requires minimal effort, as you simply dump the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners during the chilly months, offering a warm and comforting flavor that embodies the essence of winter.

How do I serve Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake?

To serve your Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake, allow it to cool slightly after baking. Cut it into squares and serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy toppings complement the fruity flavors beautifully, making this dessert irresistible.

Can I make Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in your baking dish but do not bake it until you’re ready to serve. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed for a quick and effortless dessert.

What variations can I try with this dump cake recipe?

You can easily modify your Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Consider incorporating chopped nuts for added texture or swapping out pears for other seasonal fruits such as apples or peaches. Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes too; a spice cake mix can add an interesting depth of flavor to this delightful dessert.

Conclusion for Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake:

In summary, the Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake is an easy yet delicious dessert option perfect for any winter gathering. With its combination of sweet pears and tangy cranberries, it creates a delightful balance that everyone will love. This recipe not only offers great flavor but also allows for various customizations to fit your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting cake warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable treat!

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Winter Pear and Cranberry Dump Cake

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of winter with this effortless dump cake, featuring sweet pears and tart cranberries for a delightful dessert experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In the baking dish, combine sliced pears and cranberries. Toss with sugar and lemon juice if using.
3. In a bowl, mix yellow cake mix and ground cinnamon together. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the fruit layer in the baking dish.
4. Drizzle melted butter generously over the dry cake mix layer to ensure even coverage.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Choose ripe Bosc or Bartlett pears for optimal sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other fruits like apples or blueberries. Add chopped nuts for extra texture if desired.