Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: cranberry apple dump cake! It’s one of those recipes that’s not only super simple but also incredibly delicious. I remember making this with my grandma during the holidays, and the aroma of tart cranberries mingling with sweet apples just fills my heart with joy. You literally dump the ingredients into a baking dish, and poof—out comes a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this cranberry apple dump cake, you’ll want to whip it up again and again!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering cranberry apple dump cake:
- 1 can of cranberry sauce – this will give your cake that delightful tart flavor.
- 2 cups of sliced apples – fresh or canned, either works beautifully!
- 1 box of yellow cake mix – the star of this easy dessert!
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted – this adds richness and helps everything come together.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – because who doesn’t love a hint of spice?
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional) – for a delightful crunch, but totally up to you!
Make sure you have everything ready, and let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this cranberry apple dump cake is as easy as pie—well, easier! Here’s how to whip it up in no time:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- Next, grab a baking dish (a 9×13 inch works great) and spread the cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom. The tartness of the cranberries will provide a fantastic base!
- Now, layer the sliced apples on top of the cranberry sauce. Make sure to spread them out evenly so every bite gets that sweet apple goodness.
- Then, sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the apples. Don’t mix it—just let it sit there like a fluffy blanket!
- Drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix. It’ll seep in and create that delicious, buttery crust we all love.
- Finally, sprinkle cinnamon and any optional walnuts on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Bake it in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Wow, just wait until you smell that!
Let it cool a bit before serving, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this amazing dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have.
- Delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples.
- One dish means less cleanup—yay!
- Warm and comforting, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cranberry apple dump cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Apple Variety: Feel free to mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-to for a balance of tart and sweet!
- Butter Tip: Make sure your melted butter is evenly drizzled over the cake mix. This helps create that delicious, crispy topping we all crave.
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes great the next day, too!
- Make it a la mode: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
These little tips will elevate your dump cake experience, so don’t skip them!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk about the nutritional values of this delightful cranberry apple dump cake! Each slice packs about 250 calories, with 10g of fat (including 5g saturated fat), 3g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check labels if you’re tracking your macros. But don’t worry, a slice of this cake is definitely worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this scrumptious 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 fresh cranberries can be quite tart. A little sugar goes a long way!
What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?
No problem! You can substitute with a white cake mix or even a spice cake mix for a twist. Each will add its unique flavor!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven to reheat before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Is there a gluten-free option?
For sure! Look for a gluten-free cake mix, and you’re all set. Just check the labels to ensure everything is gluten-free.
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Pears, peaches, or even berries would be delicious mixed in with the apples. Get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious cranberry apple dump cake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and reheat individual portions for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds for a quick treat. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry apple dump cake is fantastic on its own, but let me tell you, it shines even brighter with a few accompaniments! Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—oh, the melty goodness! You can also pair it with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee for the perfect cozy treat. Enjoy the harmony of flavors!
Print
Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: 7 Sweet Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious cranberry apple dump cake that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples.
Ingredients
- 1 can of cranberry sauce
- 2 cups of sliced apples
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer the sliced apples on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the apples.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and walnuts on top if using.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh or canned apples as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry apple dump cake, dessert, easy cake
