The sweet aroma of cinnamon mixed with the tartness of fresh cranberries wafts through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy holiday gathering. Imagine digging into a warm, gooey Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, where every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that dance on your taste buds like a sugarplum fairy at a festive party. This dish doesn’t just taste heavenly; it looks like a winter wonderland on your plate, with vibrant red cranberries peeking through fluffy cake layers, ready to impress your guests and family alike.
Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, and the snow softly blankets the ground outside. You gather around the kitchen with loved ones, laughter echoing as you prepare this easy yet crowd-pleasing dessert. The best part? There’s no need for fancy techniques or complicated ingredients! Just dump everything in a pan and let the magic happen. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons.
- The flavor profile perfectly balances sweetness from apples and tartness from cranberries.
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it an eye-catching centerpiece on any festive table.
- Versatile enough to be served warm with ice cream or cold as a snack, it suits every occasion wonderfully.
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apple Pie Filling: A 21-ounce can provides sweet, spiced apples that form the base of your dump cake.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use canned cranberry sauce for its tartness and vibrant color; homemade works too if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Yellow Cake Mix: An easy shortcut that adds moisture and richness without all the fuss.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps create that irresistible crisp topping; don’t skimp on this one!
- Cinnamon: Just a sprinkle adds warmth and enhances all those holiday flavors.
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 your favorite baking dish (9×13 inches works beautifully) and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Layer
In your greased baking dish, spread out the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom. Next, dollop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the apple layer—don’t worry about being neat; chaos adds character!
Step 3: Sprinkle on the Dry Cake Mix
Open up that yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layers. No mixing required—just let it rain cake goodness!
Step 4: Drizzle with Butter
Melt about one-and-a-half sticks of unsalted butter (yes, please!) and drizzle it generously over the top of the dry cake mix. Feel free to get creative; it’s all going to come together in delicious harmony.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cinnamon
For an extra touch of warmth, dust some cinnamon over everything—because who doesn’t love a little spice during the holidays?
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will be intoxicating!
Once baked, pull it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Transfer to plates and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that ultimate comfort food experience!
This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions, bringing smiles (and possibly some happy tears) around your festive table!
You Must Know
- The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is an effortless dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with sweet apples.
- It’s a holiday staple that can be thrown together in mere minutes, leaving you with ample time to sip on eggnog and enjoy family chaos.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while greasing your baking dish. Layer the apples and cranberries evenly before sprinkling the cake mix on top. Pour melted butter over everything, then bake until golden and bubbling, ensuring the fruits are perfectly tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or add nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate your flavors, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some caramel drizzle before serving for a decadent twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through, keeping that delicious texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart kick; dried cranberries can be overly sweet.
- Ensure even butter distribution over the cake mix to avoid dry spots.
- Let it cool slightly before serving—this enhances flavor and makes it easier to scoop!
I remember the first time I made this dump cake; my family devoured it within minutes! The laughter and joy around the table made all the effort worthwhile, proving that simple desserts can steal the show during festive gatherings.
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
To make the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, you will need several simple ingredients. Start with canned apple pie filling and whole cranberry sauce for the fruity base. You will also require a box of yellow cake mix, unsalted butter, and chopped nuts to add texture. Optionally, you can include spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. This dessert is easy to prepare, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
How long does it take to bake the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
Baking the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake typically takes around 45 to 50 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the dish inside. Keep an eye on the top; it should become golden brown and bubbly. To ensure doneness, you can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to serve.
Can I make Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time. You can assemble all the ingredients and store them in the fridge for a day or two before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. This makes it an excellent choice for holiday parties, as you can save time on the day of your gathering.
What are some serving suggestions for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
Serve your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake warm from the oven for a delightful experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top enhances its flavor beautifully. For extra flair, drizzle caramel sauce over each serving or sprinkle with powdered sugar. These additions make this dessert even more festive and appealing during holiday celebrations.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake :
The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that captures the essence of holiday flavors. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, this cake is ideal for festive gatherings. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or served with whipped cream, it brings joy to any table. Remember, its delightful blend of apples and cranberries will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This warm and gooey dessert combines tart cranberries and sweet apples for a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 21 ounces apple pie filling
- 14 ounces cranberry sauce
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spoon dollops of cranberry sauce over the apple layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the fruit layers without mixing.
- Pour the melted butter generously over the dry cake mix to ensure even coverage.
- Dust ground cinnamon over the top for added warmth and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 105g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For an extra touch, consider adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven as needed.
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