The aroma of warm apples mingling with tart cranberries fills the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace like your favorite holiday sweater. Imagine sinking your fork into a warm slice of Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, where each bite bursts with sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds. This dessert is not just food; it’s a hug from the inside out, perfect for those chilly winter nights spent gathered around the fireplace.
As you take that first heavenly bite, memories of family gatherings come rushing back. Remember when your Aunt Gertrude tried to impress everyone with her fancy fruit cake? Spoiler alert: it was not a hit. But this dump cake? It’s the star of any holiday feast. Its simplicity means you can whip it up faster than you can say “where’s the eggnog?” So, get ready to create some delicious new traditions with this festive favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is so easy to prepare that even a kitchen novice can impress their guests.
- The delightful combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries offers a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
- Visually, this cake looks like a winter wonderland and will be the centerpiece of any holiday spread.
- Plus, it’s versatile; serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold for breakfast—who are we to judge?
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: These add a lovely burst of tangy flavor; choose unsweetened for a more balanced taste.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Any brand will do; this is what makes the cake fluffy and soft.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; don’t skip this step!
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth to your cake.
- White Sugar: Use this to sweeten your apples and cranberries just right.
- Water: A splash helps bring all the flavors together 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and coat it with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced fresh apples and dried cranberries. Add white sugar and cinnamon, stirring until everything is well-coated. Let that fragrant mixture sit while we move on.
Step 3: Layer the Fruit
Pour the fruity goodness into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom like you’re laying down a cozy blanket.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the fruit layer. No need for mixing here; we want those lovely layers!
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Melt your unsalted butter and drizzle it generously over the cake mix. Make sure every single bit gets some love—this is what makes it golden brown and scrumptious!
Step 6: Bake
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat. Transfer to plates and enjoy every blissful bite!
You Must Know
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines sweet apples and tart cranberries with a buttery cake topping.
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Layer sliced apples and cranberries in a greased baking dish, sprinkle with sugar and spices, then top with cake mix before pouring melted butter over everything. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or add nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor profile of your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- 1.
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart kick—dried ones may not provide the same zing you want.
2.
- Don’t skip greasing your baking dish; it helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.
3.
- Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
It was last Christmas when I decided to whip up this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake for my family gathering. My aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is saying something coming from her!
FAQs :
What is an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
An Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries and sweet apples. This easy-to-make cake starts with a layer of fruit, topped with a cake mix, and baked until bubbly. The result is a warm, comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s often served with ice cream or whipped cream to enhance its flavor and add creaminess. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs during the festive season.
How do I store leftovers of Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
To store any leftovers of your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your delicious dump cake even after the holidays.
Can I use fresh cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh cranberries for your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake! Fresh cranberries offer a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully. However, since fresh cranberries are more tart than their canned counterparts, consider adding an extra sweetener or adjusting the sugar levels in your recipe to balance flavors. Remember to rinse and sort through the fresh cranberries before using them in your dump cake.
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time for added convenience during busy holiday festivities. Assemble the ingredients but refrain from baking until you’re ready to serve. Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply pop it in the oven and bake according to your recipe instructions. This allows you to have a warm dessert ready without last-minute hassle.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake :
The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a festive treat that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. By combining tart cranberries with sweet apples beneath a golden cake topping, this dessert becomes a holiday favorite. Easy preparation allows you more time to spend with family and friends during celebrations. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or savored on its own, this dump cake is sure to impress your guests and create delightful memories around the table during the festive season.
Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 9
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this warm, comforting Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, a delightful blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries topped with a buttery cake layer—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh apples, sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, dried cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon, and water. Stir until well-coated.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the fruit layer without mixing.
- Drizzle the melted unsalted butter generously over the cake mix to ensure even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added texture, consider mixing in nuts such as pecans or walnuts. - Fresh cranberries can be substituted for dried ones; adjust sugar levels to balance tartness. - Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
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