The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious? Imagine a warm, gooey Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake bubbling away in your oven, filling your home with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and tart cranberries. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to grab a spoon and dive right in, because who has time for plates when there’s cake?
This delightful dump cake combines the comforting flavors of apples and cranberries with a simple cake mix, creating a festive treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish will become your go-to recipe for any occasion. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a delightful flavor profile that excites the palate.
- With its stunning presentation, it’s sure to impress guests at any festive gathering.
- Plus, this versatile dessert can be served warm or cold, making it ideal for any time of day!
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Apples: Use about 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples; Granny Smith adds tartness while Honeycrisp gives sweetness.
- Fresh Cranberries: You’ll need about 2 cups; using fresh cranberries adds a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Cake Mix: A standard yellow or white cake mix works best; it serves as the base for our delicious dump cake.
- Butter: Melted butter is crucial; it helps create that crispy top layer we all love.
- Cinnamon: A teaspoon adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor; feel free to sprinkle more if you’re feeling adventurous!
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: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent your cake from sticking like that one cousin who just won’t leave the party.
Step 2: Mix the Fruits
In a large bowl, combine those freshly sliced apples and cranberries. Toss them together with cinnamon until they’re well coated. This step is like giving your fruits a warm hug before they hit the oven.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Remember, you’re creating layers here—no one wants their cake flat!
Step 4: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Now comes the fun part! Pour the dry cake mix over the fruit mixture evenly without mixing them together. It’ll look like a snowy winter wonderland—only tastier.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter
Melt your butter and drizzle it generously over the cake mix layer. Think of this as icing on the cake… only without all that pesky mixing.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—try not to eat all those cookies you promised to save for Santa!
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Transfer generous spoonfuls into bowls and enjoy this delightful treat either warm or at room temperature—optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
This Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home—one bite at a time!
You Must Know
- This delightful Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is the embodiment of holiday cheer.
- With minimal effort, you can whip up a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night.
- The blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a charming festive treat that everyone will love.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together the apples, cranberries, and sugar first. Then layer this mixture in your baking dish before sprinkling the cake mix on top. Pour melted butter over everything, and voilà!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or blueberries for a different fruity twist. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra holiday flair. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for that dreamy finish.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through, ensuring each bite remains deliciously moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results with this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, make sure your fruit is evenly distributed to avoid dry spots.
- Use room temperature butter for better coverage over the cake mix.
- Finally, let it cool slightly before serving; it helps enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Sometimes I think my friends love this dump cake more than me; they always ask me to bring it to every gathering! Their appreciation warms my heart and makes all the kitchen chaos worthwhile.
FAQs:
What is an Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
An Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples. This easy-to-make cake features layers of fruit topped with a cake mix and butter, which creates a crispy topping when baked. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a festive flavor and minimal prep time.
How long does it take to prepare the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
Preparing the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake takes about 15 minutes, while baking it typically requires around 45 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend roughly one hour on this delicious dessert from start to finish. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a quick yet impressive dish for their holiday celebrations.
Can I make the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake in advance. You may assemble the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, for best results, bake it just before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy the warm, fresh flavors that make this cake so special during the holiday season.
What are some variations for the Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake?
You can easily customize your Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Additionally, consider mixing in spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance its flavor profile. For a twist, swap out cranberries for other seasonal fruits like pears or cherries to create your own unique version of this festive dessert.
Conclusion for Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake:
The Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake is an easy and festive dessert that brings together delightful flavors perfect for holiday celebrations. With minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dump cake will surely impress your guests and become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions.
Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the festive flavors of this Apple Cranberry Christmas Dump Cake, featuring sweet apples and tart cranberries for a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh Apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
- 1 standard box Cake Mix (yellow or white)
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2. Mix the Fruits: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples and cranberries. Toss with cinnamon until well coated.
- 3. Layer It Up: Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- 4. Sprinkle on the Cake Mix: Evenly pour the dry cake mix over the fruit layer without mixing them together.
- 5. Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle melted butter generously over the cake mix layer.
- 6. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake (about 100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts like pecans or walnuts. - Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a unique twist on this classic dessert. - Serve warm topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
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