Ah, the magic of Christmas gatherings! There’s something so special about the warmth of family and friends coming together, sharing laughter and joy. One of my go-to desserts for these festive occasions has to be this easy and delicious Christmas dump cake. It’s a breeze to whip up—perfect for those busy holiday moments when you want to impress without stressing. I remember the first time I made it; the sweet smell of cherries and pineapple wafted through the house, and my family couldn’t wait to dive in. Trust me, this dessert will be a hit at your holiday table!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful Christmas dump cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a festive punch! Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 can cherry pie filling (for that sweet, tart flavor)
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained (adds a juicy sweetness)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (the magic base that brings it all together)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for a delightful crunch)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (this helps everything come together beautifully)
Make sure to have these on hand, and you’ll be ready to create a holiday dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious!
How to Prepare the Christmas Dump Cake
Now, let’s dive into making this festive dessert! It’s super simple, and before you know it, your home will be filled with mouthwatering aromas. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps achieve that perfect golden crust—trust me, you want that!
Layer the Ingredients
Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. It’s important to cover the whole base so every bite is filled with that sweet, tangy goodness. Next, sprinkle the drained pineapple chunks over the cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed to create a vibrant fruit layer.
Add Cake Mix and Toppings
Now, here comes the fun part! Open your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layers. Make sure to cover it all—no gaps! Then, sprinkle those chopped pecans on top for that delightful crunch that pairs so beautifully with the soft fruit. Don’t be shy; get a good layer going!
Bake to Perfection
Pop your masterpiece in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Just be careful when you take it out—hot dishes can be sneaky! Let it cool slightly before diving in; the flavors really meld together as it sits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just dump and bake!
- Festive and colorful, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Delicious flavor combination of cherries and pineapple.
- Great for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
- Customizable with different fruit fillings for variety.
- Serves up beautifully with a scoop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas dump cake turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip draining the pineapple; excess liquid can make it soggy. If you want to switch things up, try using peach or blueberry pie filling for a fun twist. Also, I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over sweetness. And remember, let it cool a bit before serving; that way, the flavors will meld beautifully. Trust me, these little details really make a difference!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delightful Christmas dump cake:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free this holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruit fillings?
Absolutely! While cherry and pineapple are a classic combo, you can experiment with peach, blueberry, or even a mix of your favorites. Just remember to drain any fruit that’s packed in juice.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your Christmas dump cake is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving. Just be sure to let it cool before covering it to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to serve it?
I love serving mine warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying again.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover Christmas dump cake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that delicious texture!
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Christmas Dump Cake: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and festive dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the cherry pie filling in an even layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add the drained pineapple chunks over the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.
- Top with chopped pecans.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Try different fruit fillings for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas dump cake, holiday dessert, easy cake recipe
