Cranberry Orange Dump Cake is like a warm hug from Grandma on a chilly day. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of fresh cranberries intertwined with the citrusy zing of vibrant oranges, all cozied up under a crunchy, buttery topping that practically begs you to dig in. This dessert not only looks stunning on your table but also smells heavenly, filling the air with an aroma that is sure to have everyone asking, “What’s baking?”
This delightful concoction brings back nostalgic memories of holiday gatherings where laughter dances around the dining table, and dessert becomes the star of the show. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just trying to impress your taste buds on a random Tuesday night, this dish promises to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Enjoy this easy-to-make dessert that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
- The sweet and tangy combination creates a delightful taste explosion with every bite.
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it adds a festive touch to any occasion.
- Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, it’s versatile enough to serve warm with ice cream or cold as a refreshing treat.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Choose plump cranberries; they should be firm and glossy for the best tart flavor.
- Sweet Oranges: Use fresh oranges for zesting; their bright flavor complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Cake Mix: A standard yellow cake mix works perfectly here; it provides a buttery base that contrasts nicely with the fruit.
- Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavors without adding extra saltiness; melt it for even distribution.
- Granulated Sugar: A sprinkle of sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating harmony in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab an appropriate-sized baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fruit
Rinse about two cups of fresh cranberries and zest two oranges into a bowl. Then squeeze half of those zesty oranges over the cranberries to create a juicy base.
Step 3: Pour It In
Spread your cranberry-orange mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re comfortable—they’re about to become stars!
Step 4: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle an entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over your fruit layer. Don’t mix it in; we want those layers to stay distinct like good friends at a party!
Step 5: Top It Off
Melt one stick (that’s about half a cup) of unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the cake mix layer. This buttery goodness will create that delightful crunch we all crave.
Step 6: Bake Away
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will be enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress! Transfer servings onto plates and watch as everyone falls in love at first bite!
Enjoy this easy-to-make Cranberry Orange Dump Cake at your next gathering or when you want something special just for yourself!
You Must Know
- This delightful Cranberry Orange Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an easy way to impress guests.
- With minimal effort, you can create a stunning dish that bursts with flavor and color.
- Perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect Cranberry Orange Dump Cake, start by preheating your oven. Next, mix the ingredients in a bowl before layering them in your baking dish. Bake until golden and bubbly. Simple, right? You’ll be amazed at how easy it is.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dump cake by swapping cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches. Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfect Cranberry Orange Dump Cake, use fresh cranberries for a tart kick.
- Don’t skip the butter—it’s essential for that golden crust.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to enhance its flavors and texture.
When I first made this dump cake for a family gathering, I was met with cheers rather than polite claps—it was a hit! Everyone asked for seconds, and I ended up sharing the recipe faster than you can say “dump cake.”
FAQs :
What is Cranberry Orange Dump Cake?
Cranberry Orange Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert made by layering ingredients in a baking dish. This cake typically features fresh or canned cranberries combined with orange flavor, topped with a cake mix. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease of preparation, as you simply “dump” the ingredients together before baking. This delightful treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion when you crave a sweet yet tangy dessert.
How long does it take to prepare Cranberry Orange Dump Cake?
Preparing Cranberry Orange Dump Cake is quick and straightforward. The active preparation time usually takes about 15 minutes, which includes gathering your ingredients and assembling them in the baking dish. After this, the cake requires approximately 45 to 55 minutes to bake until bubbly and golden brown. Thus, you can enjoy this delightful dessert in under an hour from start to finish.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this dump cake?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries for your Cranberry Orange Dump Cake. If using frozen fruit, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply toss them directly into the baking dish with the other ingredients. Using frozen cranberries might result in a slightly more tart flavor, but they will bake beautifully and contribute to the overall deliciousness of the cake.
What are some variations for Cranberry Orange Dump Cake?
There are several delightful variations you can try with your Cranberry Orange Dump Cake. You might consider adding nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. Alternatively, mixing in chocolate chips can create a rich contrast with the tartness of the cranberries. For a festive twist, you could add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, enhancing the aroma and taste of this easy-to-make dessert.
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Dump Cake :
In conclusion, Cranberry Orange Dump Cake is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dessert that combines tangy cranberries with zesty orange notes. Its effortless preparation makes it an ideal choice for both casual gatherings and festive occasions alike. Remember that you can customize it with various add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to suit your preferences. Enjoy this delightful treat warm from the oven or chilled, making it a versatile addition to any dessert table.
Cranberry Orange Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Orange Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that blends sweet-tart cranberries and zesty oranges under a golden, crunchy topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries, rinsed
- 2 Sweet Oranges, zested and juiced
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Zest the oranges and squeeze juice from one half over the rinsed cranberries in a bowl.
- Spread the cranberry-orange mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle an entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer without mixing.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (112g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For added texture, consider mixing in nuts like pecans or walnuts. - You can use frozen cranberries directly without thawing; they may increase tartness slightly. - Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.
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