The sweet aroma of baked cranberries wafts through your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a dessert that feels like a warm hug from Grandma. Cranberry dump cake is a delightful concoction of tart and sweet flavors, layered in an easy-to-make masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Picture this: golden cake mix mingling with vibrant cranberries, all bubbling away like a cauldron of deliciousness. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy movie night, this dessert promises to tickle your taste buds and bring everyone together around the table.
There’s something truly special about cranberry dump cake that transports me back to my childhood kitchen, where my family would gather for the holidays. I remember sneaking spoonfuls of this delectable dessert while pretending to help with the dishes—sorry, Mom! Its bright red color and crumbly topping always caught my eye, making it an irresistible treat. So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s as effortless to prepare as it is delicious, buckle up because we’re diving into the world of cranberry dump cake!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry dump cake is incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Expect a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Its stunning presentation adds a pop of color to any dessert table.
- Enjoy it warm with ice cream or cool whipped cream for an unforgettable treat!
Ingredients for Cranberry Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cranberry Sauce: Use canned or homemade cranberry sauce—it’s the star of this dish! The tartness pairs perfectly with the sweet cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A box of yellow cake mix provides the foundation for our delightful layers. No need to fuss over measuring flour!
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness and moisture, ensuring your cake has that deliciously buttery flavor.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, but feel free to skip if you’re not a nut fan.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. You want it ready for all that gooey goodness.
Step 2: Layer the Cranberry Sauce
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t be shy; let that tartness shine through!
Step 3: Sprinkle on Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cranberries. Try not to mix; we want those layers intact for maximum flavor experience.
Step 4: Pour Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted unsalted butter generously over the top of the cake mix layer. Make sure every inch gets some love because who doesn’t like buttery crust?
Step 5: Add Nuts (optional)
If you’re feeling nutty, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over everything. They’ll add some crunch and sophistication—fancy, right?
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pop your creation into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—your nose will tell you when it’s ready!
Transfer to plates and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
So there you have it—the enchanting journey from ingredients to a glorious bowl of cranberry dump cake! Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow seasoned bakers alike. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry dump cake is not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cake form.
- With minimal effort, you can create this sweet masterpiece that will impress your friends and family.
- It’s the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet cake goodness, ideal for any gathering or cozy night in.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the cranberries and sugar together while you prepare the cake mix. Pour the fruit into a baking dish, sprinkle the cake mix on top, and finish with melted butter. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for blueberries or cherries if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. For a fancy twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to elevate your cranberry dump cake experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for better texture; avoid canned ones as they can be mushy.
- Ensure even butter distribution over the cake mix to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Don’t skip letting it cool slightly before serving; it’ll help set those delicious layers.
I remember the first time I made this cranberry dump cake for Thanksgiving. My family devoured it within minutes and declared it a new holiday tradition—talk about pressure for next year!
FAQs:
What is a Cranberry Dump Cake?
Cranberry dump cake is a simple dessert that combines fresh or canned cranberries with a cake mix and butter. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings or holiday celebrations. The result is a deliciously tart and sweet treat with a crumbly topping that pairs perfectly with whipped cream or ice cream. Whether you’re using homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.
How do you serve Cranberry Dump Cake?
You can serve cranberry dump cake warm or at room temperature. For added indulgence, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a decorative touch. This versatile dessert can be enjoyed at family dinners, holiday parties, or even as an everyday treat.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Cranberry Dump Cake recipe?
Yes, you can customize your cranberry dump cake by substituting certain ingredients. For instance, if you prefer a different fruit flavor, consider using blueberries or raspberries instead of cranberries. You can also use gluten-free cake mix if you’re catering to dietary restrictions. Experimenting with different flavors will create unique variations of this classic dessert.
How long does Cranberry Dump Cake last?
Cranberry dump cake can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days if properly covered. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will maintain its quality for about 2 to 3 months when frozen, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert later.
Conclusion for Cranberry Dump Cake:
In summary, cranberry dump cake is an effortless yet delightful dessert that appeals to many palates. Its combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake makes it an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying it at home on a casual evening, this recipe promises satisfaction. With simple ingredients and quick preparation time, anyone can create this scrumptious treat that will leave guests asking for seconds. Give it a try today!
Cranberry Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry dump cake is a delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries with a sweet cake topping, creating a warm and comforting treat perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cranberry layer without mixing.
- Drizzle melted unsalted butter generously over the top of the cake mix layer.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top.
- Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of a cake (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the dessert's warmth and flavor.
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