Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet scents of festive baking. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up is this delightful Christmas dump cake. Trust me, it’s the easiest dessert you’ll ever make, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s bursting with holiday flavors and perfect for any gathering. Picture this: layers of juicy cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, topped with a buttery cake mix and crunchy pecans. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! So, let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that will make your holiday gatherings even sweeter.
Ingredients for Christmas Dump Cake
- 1 can cherry pie filling (you want the sweet, juicy goodness that’s going to be the star of the show)
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained (this adds a delightful tropical twist and moisture – don’t skip it!)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (just a standard box will do, no need to get fancy here)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (this brings all the flavors together with its rich, buttery goodness)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for that wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruits)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (a sprinkle of this warm spice adds a festive flair that makes your kitchen smell heavenly)
How to Prepare Christmas Dump Cake
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your Christmas dump cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—it really sets the stage for that deliciously warm dessert!
Layer the Fruit
Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and start by spreading the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. You want that sweet, tart layer to be nice and thick! After that, take your crushed pineapple (don’t forget to drain it first!) and layer it right on top of the cherries. It’s okay if they mix a bit; the flavors will blend beautifully during baking!
Add the Cake Mix
Now it’s time for the magic touch! Open up your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layers. Don’t just dump it all in one spot—try to cover as much surface area as possible. This helps ensure every bite is filled with that delicious cake flavor!
Pour the Butter
Alright, here comes the best part: the butter! Pour your melted unsalted butter over the cake mix, making sure to cover it as evenly as you can. This is what creates that crispy, buttery topping that we all love. Just let it flow and make sure no dry cake mix peeks through!
Top with Pecans and Cinnamon
Now, grab those chopped pecans and sprinkle them generously over the top. They add such a wonderful crunch! Then, finish it off with a dash of cinnamon—this adds a warm, festive aroma that’s sure to delight everyone in your kitchen. Seriously, your house is going to smell amazing!
Bake and Cool
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbling. Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in right away! Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes so it can set a bit, then serve it warm. Oh, and don’t forget the ice cream or whipped cream on the side—it takes this dessert to a whole new level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy holiday days!
- Simple ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you won’t have to stress about complicated shopping lists.
- Festive flavors: The combination of cherry, pineapple, and warm spices creates a delightful holiday vibe in every bite.
- Great for gatherings: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it an ideal dessert for parties, family get-togethers, or potlucks.
- Easy cleanup: Since it’s a dump cake, you can enjoy the deliciousness without the fuss of multiple dishes to wash!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making your Christmas dump cake, here are some of my top tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor! I always opt for a high-quality cherry pie filling and fresh pecans for that delightful crunch.
- Don’t skip the draining: Make sure to drain your crushed pineapple thoroughly. Too much liquid can make your cake soggy, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for a fun twist! You could even mix and match for a colorful dessert.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just reheat a slice in the microwave for a quick treat!
- Serve warm: This dessert is best served warm, straight from the oven or after cooling for a bit. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your Christmas dump cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers to help you make the most of this festive dessert.
Can I use different fruit fillings?
Absolutely! While cherry and pineapple are classic choices, feel free to get creative. You can substitute with blueberry, peach, or even mixed berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if necessary, depending on the fruit you choose.
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the fruit layers and cake mix separately a day before, then just assemble and bake when you’re ready. This is perfect for holiday gatherings where you want to save time!
What do you recommend serving with Christmas dump cake?
I highly recommend serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm, fruity cake. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top for a festive touch!
Can I freeze the Christmas dump cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your Christmas dump cake, it’s nice to know a little bit about what’s in it! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving, based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: this festive dessert is sure to bring smiles all around the table!
Final Thoughts and Interaction
Well, there you have it—the ultimate Christmas dump cake that’s as easy to make as it is to devour! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it brightens up your holiday celebrations. It truly captures the spirit of the season in every delightful bite!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you made this dump cake before, or do you have any fun twists of your own? Please leave a comment below and share your experiences—I’m all ears! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it. Your feedback not only helps me but also inspires other home cooks looking to bring a little festive magic into their kitchens.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious desserts!
Drucken
Christmas Dump Cake: 5 Ways to Evoke Holiday Cheer
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and festive dessert perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute with other fruit fillings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 320
- Zucker: 24g
- Natrium: 180mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 36g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: christmas dump cake, holiday dessert, easy cake recipe
