Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert for Thanksgiving gatherings: Thanksgiving dump cake! It’s one of those magical recipes that’s so easy to throw together but tastes like it took hours of effort. I still remember the first time I made it for my family—everyone was raving and going back for seconds! It’s the perfect blend of sweet cherries, tangy pineapple, and a crunchy pecan topping, all drizzled with melted butter. Seriously, it’s a total crowd-pleaser and always disappears in a flash. So, if you’re looking for a stress-free and delicious dessert to wow your guests this holiday season, you’ve found it right here with this Thanksgiving dump cake! Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Dump Cake
You won’t believe how simple these ingredients are! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Thanksgiving dump cake:
- 1 can of cherry pie filling: This is the sweet star of the show, giving your cake that vibrant color and juicy flavor.
- 1 can of crushed pineapple, drained: The pineapple adds a lovely tang and keeps things moist. Just make sure to drain it well so your cake doesn’t get soggy!
- 1 box of yellow cake mix: This is your shortcut to a fluffy, cake-like topping. I love how it magically transforms with just a drizzle of butter.
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted: This rich butter adds depth and helps the cake mix turn golden brown and delicious.
- 1 cup of chopped pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the fruit.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Dump Cake
Get ready to impress with this super easy Thanksgiving dump cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your gathering. Trust me, it’s as simple as dump, spread, and bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- Prepare your baking dish: Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for an easy release later on!
- Spread the fruit: Open the can of cherry pie filling and the drained crushed pineapple, then spread them evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. It’s okay if they mix a little; that just adds to the flavor!
- Add the cake mix: Now, take your box of yellow cake mix and evenly sprinkle it over the fruit layer. Don’t mix it in—just let it rest on top!
- Pour the butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Make sure to cover it well; this is what will give your cake that fabulous, crispy topping.
- Add pecans: Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for that perfect crunch. They’ll toast beautifully in the oven!
- Bake: Pop your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be golden brown and bubbly!
- Cool and serve: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delightful Thanksgiving dump cake, I want to mention that the nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at for each slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
Keep in mind that these values are approximate, so adjust based on your ingredients. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Dump Cake
This Thanksgiving dump cake is a true gem, and here’s why you’ll adore it just as much as I do:
- Super Easy to Make: Just dump everything in and let the oven do the work—perfect for busy holiday cooking!
- Irresistible Flavors: The combination of sweet cherries, tangy pineapple, and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone loves.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s always a hit at gatherings, and trust me, nobody can resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Versatile: You can easily switch up the fruit based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Warm and Comforting: Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for that cozy holiday feeling!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving dump cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly; excess liquid can lead to a soggy bottom. Also, when pouring the melted butter, try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible—this helps achieve that delicious crispy topping we all love. If you want an extra pop of flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit layer. And don’t forget to let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it set up nicely and makes scooping easier. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Thanksgiving dump cake experience, consider serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess perfectly balances the fruity flavors! You might also pair it with a side of spiced apple cider or a rich cup of coffee to complement the dessert’s sweetness. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top or serve it alongside some roasted pecans for that delightful crunch. Enjoy the cozy vibes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious Thanksgiving dump cake is super simple! Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream; it’s like a little slice of heaven all over again!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Dump Cake
Here are some common questions I get about this delicious Thanksgiving dump cake, along with my answers!
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned? Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the sweetness and moisture accordingly. Fresh cherries and pineapple are great options!
What if I don’t have pecans? No worries at all! You can swap them out for walnuts or even omit them entirely if you prefer.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
How do I know when it’s done baking? Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean—if it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes!
Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before warming up.
Drucken
Thanksgiving Dump Cake: 7 Irresistible Ways to Wow Guests
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious Thanksgiving dump cake recipe that combines fruit and cake mix.
Zutaten
- 1 can of cherry pie filling
- 1 can of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit.
- Pour melted butter over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute other fruits based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 50 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 250mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving dump cake
