Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: cranberry apple dump cake! This delightful treat is not only super simple to whip up, but it’s also a total crowd-pleaser! Just picture this—tart cranberries mingling with sweet, juicy apples, all topped with a buttery cake crust that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug. I always bring this to family gatherings and parties because it’s a guaranteed hit. Trust me, once you serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, everyone will be asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe)!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
- 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz) – This is where the tartness comes from, giving the cake that delightful zing!
- 2 cups diced apples (fresh or canned) – Use your favorite variety for sweetness; Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) – The base that ties everything together, creating that perfect crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted) – This is what makes the cake mix so rich and delicious!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice that amplifies the cozy flavors of this dessert.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – For a little crunch and extra nutty flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
Making cranberry apple dump cake is a breeze, and I promise you’ll have it in the oven in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- Grab a baking dish and spread the cranberry sauce evenly along the bottom. This is where all that tart goodness starts!
- Next, layer the diced apples on top of the cranberry sauce. It’s okay if they overlap a bit; they’ll soften and blend beautifully as they bake.
- Now, sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the apples and cranberries. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; it’s all going to come together in the oven!
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is what makes the top so rich and delicious!
- If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle them on top along with a dash of cinnamon for that cozy flavor.
- Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
- Once it’s done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. Trust me; the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just dump and bake!
- Deliciously combines tart cranberries with sweet apples for a flavor explosion.
- Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.
- Minimal cleanup since it’s all made in one baking dish.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any setting.
- Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as tasty the next day.
Tips for Success
Getting the best out of your cranberry apple dump cake is all about those little details! Here are my top tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t skip the preheating: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the cake rise evenly and get that lovely golden top.
- Choose the right apples: For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-tos!
- Check the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. You want it to be golden brown on top, but not burnt. A little jiggle in the center is okay; it will set as it cools!
- Add a splash of vanilla: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cranberry sauce before layering. It elevates the entire dessert!
- Serve it warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm out of the oven, especially with a scoop of ice cream melting on top. Yum!
- Don’t worry about perfection: This is a dump cake, after all! It’s meant to be a little rustic and messy. Just enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
Variations of Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous (or just want to mix things up a bit), there are so many fun ways to customize your cranberry apple dump cake! Here are some of my favorite variations that’ll keep your taste buds excited:
- Pear Delight: Substitute half of the apples with diced pears for a sweet, juicy twist. The combination of cranberries and pears is simply divine!
- Peachy Keen: Use canned peach slices in place of apples for a summery vibe. The peaches add a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
- Spiced Up: Mix in some pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor, perfect for fall gatherings!
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking for a decadent chocolatey surprise. Trust me, chocolate and cranberries are a match made in heaven!
- Different Cake Mix: Experiment with different flavored cake mixes—like spice cake or lemon cake—to add a unique twist to the base flavor. Each one brings its own charm!
- Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut on top before baking for a tropical flair and a delightful texture contrast.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to play around with flavors and textures that you love. Each variation will bring its own special touch, making this dish a fun and versatile addition to your dessert repertoire!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious cranberry apple dump cake, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing this cake properly will help keep its flavors and textures intact for those next-day cravings.
To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days—though I doubt it’ll last that long! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping them in plastic and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen. For reheating, I recommend warming individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or you can pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Just be careful not to overheat it, as you want to maintain that lovely moist texture. Enjoy your cake warm, and if you can, add a scoop of ice cream on top for that extra touch of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note! The nutritional information provided for the cranberry apple dump cake can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not an exact science. However, you can expect each serving to be around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat and 50g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are just estimates, so if you’re keeping an eye on nutrition, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy this delightful dessert in moderation, and savor every bite!
FAQ About Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cranberries, just cook them down with a bit of sugar and water until they burst and soften. This way, you can control the sweetness and tartness, making it perfectly suited to your taste!
What’s the best way to serve cranberry apple dump cake?
Oh, the best way? Serve it warm right out of the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top! The melting ice cream adds a creamy texture that beautifully complements the warm, fruity flavors.
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers and store them in the fridge before baking. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, simply bake it as directed, and you’ll have a warm dessert in no time!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the cake cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to two months—just wrap them well!
Can I substitute other fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of the additional fruit may affect the overall taste, so adjust the sugar accordingly!
Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
This cranberry apple dump cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines tart cranberries and sweet apples. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Zutaten
- 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz)
- 2 cups diced apples (fresh or canned)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the cranberry sauce evenly.
- Add the diced apples over the cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix on top of the apples and cranberries.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and walnuts on top if using.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute fresh apples with canned apple pie filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 50 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 25g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry apple dump cake, dessert, easy cake, holiday dessert
