Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making a cranberry apple dump cake! Seriously, this dessert is the epitome of simple yet delicious. You just can’t beat the layers of tart cranberry and sweet apple flavors all topped with a buttery cake mix that bakes up into a golden, crispy topping. I first discovered this recipe at a family gathering, and now it’s a staple at our get-togethers. Everyone raves about it! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that I find myself making it on weeknights when I need a quick treat. Trust me, once you try this cranberry apple dump cake, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household too!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful cranberry apple dump cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz)
- 2 cups diced apples (fresh or canned)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I love using walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch!)
These ingredients create a lovely blend of flavors and textures that make this dessert so special. Plus, you probably already have most of these in your pantry!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this cranberry apple dump cake is a breeze! Here’s how you can whip it up in no time:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot to get that golden crust! Trust me, the smell of it baking will make your mouth water.
- Next, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom. This layer is where the magic begins!
- Now, add those diced apples right on top of the cranberry sauce. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for a perfect bite every time.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the apples. Don’t worry about spreading it too perfectly; it’ll all come together as it bakes.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer. This is what gives it that buttery, crispy topping—yum!
- If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top along with the cinnamon. This adds a delightful crunch and warmth.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!
- Once it’s out, let it cool slightly before diving in. This cake is best served warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight cravings!
- Layers of tart cranberry and sweet apple create a delicious flavor explosion.
- The buttery cake topping is simply irresistible!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, great for gatherings, holidays, or just because.
- Versatile enough to enjoy warm with whipped cream or chilled as leftovers!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cranberry apple dump cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the melted butter—it’s a game changer! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for an extra depth of flavor. And don’t forget to check on it as it bakes; ovens can vary, so keep an eye on that golden brown topping. Finally, for an extra touch, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this cranberry apple dump cake! Each slice is estimated to have about 250 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 34 grams of carbs and 20 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so adjust based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delicious cranberry apple dump cake? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to sweeten them a bit since they can be tart. A little sugar mixed in can balance the flavors beautifully.
What if I don’t have apples?
No worries! You can substitute with pears or even berries for a different twist. The key is to keep that fruity layer!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s just as tasty cold or warmed up!
Can I freeze this dump cake?
Yes! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly and freezing. It can last for about a month. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover cranberry apple dump cake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of options for reheating. For a quick fix, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm. If you prefer that freshly baked taste, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry apple dump cake is simply divine on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it even more, I’ve got some tasty ideas for you! Serve it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light and fluffy contrast. Or, if you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top will take it to the next level! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Z nadrukami
Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple and delicious dessert with layers of cranberry and apple flavors.
Składniki
- 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz)
- 2 cups diced apples (fresh or canned)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add diced apples on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the apples.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix evenly.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and nuts on top (if using).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 220mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 34g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: cranberry apple dump cake
