Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year filled with twinkling lights, laughter, and the smell of delicious treats wafting through the house. One dessert that always brings back warm memories for me is the *Christmas dump cake*. It’s super simple to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser at our family gatherings. I remember my grandmother making this while we decorated the tree, and it was the perfect sweet ending to our festive feasts. You just dump the ingredients in, and voilà! It bakes into a warm, comforting dessert that’s as delightful as a cozy evening spent by the fire. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a holiday tradition in your home, too!
Ingredients List
- 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
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
How to Prepare the Christmas Dump Cake
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delightful *Christmas dump cake*! It’s truly a breeze, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Grab your favorite baking dish, and let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown top!
- Next, take your baking dish (a 9×13 inch works great) and spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. The vibrant color is so festive!
- Now, grab that can of crushed pineapple and drain it well. We don’t want excess moisture making our cake soggy. Sprinkle it generously over the cherries.
- Here comes the fun part—open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layer. Don’t worry about mixing it; just let it sit there like a blank canvas!
- Now, pour that creamy melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is what creates that deliciously crunchy topping!
- For a little extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle the chopped pecans and cinnamon on top. I love this step—it adds such a warm aroma!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the whole kitchen smells heavenly.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the anticipation makes it even more special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can have this delightful dessert in the oven in no time!
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cherry and pineapple creates a sweet and tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors of the fruit and the crunchy topping make it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe yields plenty of servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during Christmas celebrations.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.
- Minimal Cleanup: The “dump” method means less fuss and fewer dishes to wash—a win-win in my book!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time, leaving you more moments to enjoy the festivities.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to ensure your *Christmas dump cake* turns out perfect every single time! Trust me, these little tips can make a big difference.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Make sure you pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is key to achieving that deliciously crunchy topping! A good layer of butter helps everything bind together beautifully.
- Drain the Pineapple Well: This step is crucial! If you don’t drain the crushed pineapple properly, it can make your cake soggy. We want a delightful texture, not a pudding!
- Mix and Match Fruits: Feel free to get creative! If cherry and pineapple aren’t your favorites, you can swap in other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple. Just remember to keep the flavor balance in mind!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around the 40-minute mark. You want that lovely golden color and a bubbly filling, but you don’t want to overbake it!
- Serve Warm: This cake is best served warm. If you can, wait just a few minutes after it comes out of the oven before diving in. The flavors meld beautifully, and trust me, the smell will drive everyone wild!
- Experiment with Toppings: While whipped cream and ice cream are classic, don’t hesitate to try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a fun twist!
Following these tips will help you create a *Christmas dump cake* that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful *Christmas dump cake*, let’s talk about how to store those scrumptious leftovers (if there are any, that is!). Proper storage will keep it tasting just as fabulous as the first bite!
To store your cake, first, let it cool completely to room temperature. Once it’s cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and trust me, it still tastes wonderful even a few days later!
If you want to enjoy it later on, you can even freeze your *Christmas dump cake*! Just cut it into slices, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but I recommend the oven for a better texture. Enjoy your warm, comforting slice, and let the holiday spirit fill the air again!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this scrumptious *Christmas dump cake*! Keep in mind that the values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands you choose, so use this as a rough guide rather than a precise measurement.
- Calories: Approximately 320 per slice
- Fat: About 18g
- Saturated Fat: Around 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 36g
- Fiber: About 2g
- Sugar: Approximately 24g
- Protein: About 3g
- Sodium: Approximately 150mg
- Cholesterol: Around 30mg
So, while you enjoy this delightful dessert, keep in mind that it’s all about balance. Indulging in a slice of *Christmas dump cake* can be a sweet way to celebrate the season—just remember to savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can add a lovely texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust the sweetness since fresh fruit can be less sweet than canned varieties. A bit of sugar can help balance it out!
What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries at all! You can swap in any nuts you like, such as walnuts or almonds, or even leave them out entirely if you’re nut-free. It’ll still taste fantastic!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble it just before baking. This is perfect for busy holiday gatherings so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Keep an eye on that beautiful golden top! It usually takes about 45-50 minutes, but if you notice the edges bubbling and the center is set, you’re good to go!
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with different cake mix flavors like chocolate or lemon. Each will give your *Christmas dump cake* a unique twist while still staying deliciously festive!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful *Christmas dump cake*, the options are endless! I love to think about how to elevate this already fantastic dessert to make it even more special for my holiday gatherings. Here are some of my favorite ideas to enhance the dessert experience:
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light and airy touch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. You can even sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for that festive flair!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving warm slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. The melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm cake, making each bite heavenly!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top not only adds a rich, buttery flavor but also makes the presentation a showstopper. It’s a sweet addition that everyone will love!
- Toasted Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut on top or around the serving area. It adds a beautiful texture and a hint of nuttiness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries can bring a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the dump cake. They look gorgeous on the plate and add a fruity zing!
- Hot Chocolate: Pairing a slice of *Christmas dump cake* with a warm cup of hot chocolate is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. It’s perfect for those chilly holiday evenings!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful experience for your guests that they won’t soon forget. So go ahead, get creative, and make this *Christmas dump cake* the star of your holiday dessert table!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Dump Cake: 7 Reasons It’s Your Best Holiday Treat
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple and delicious dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Składniki
- 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
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the cherry pie filling evenly.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple on top of the cherries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 24g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 36g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas dump cake
