Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts: cranberry apple dump cake! This delightful treat is not only incredibly simple to make but also bursts with the delicious flavors of sweet apples and tangy cranberries. I remember the first time I made this for my family’s Thanksgiving gathering. Everyone was raving about it, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was! Just a few layers of ingredients thrown together, and it bakes into this golden, bubbly masterpiece. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly while it’s baking. Plus, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive holiday feast. You’re going to love how effortlessly this cranberry apple dump cake comes together!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your cranberry apple dump cake, and let the magic begin! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can cranberry sauce: This is the star of the show, bringing that tangy sweetness we love.
- 2 cups diced apples: Fresh or canned, just make sure they’re nice and chunky for that perfect texture!
- 1 box yellow cake mix: This gives the cake its fluffy base and sweet flavor without any fuss.
- 1 cup butter, melted: Oh, yes! This makes everything wonderfully rich and adds that golden color.
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped: For a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the fruit beautifully.
That’s it! Simple, right? You’ll have everything you need to create this mouthwatering dessert.
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious cranberry apple dump cake! It’s as easy as 1-2-3, and I promise you’ll love every step. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that perfect baking temperature!
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even so every bite has that tangy goodness.
- Add the diced apples on top of the cranberry sauce. Don’t skimp on the apples! They’ll soak up all that flavor as it bakes.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples. I like to sprinkle it gently, covering everything without mixing.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is where the magic happens—don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that’s part of the charm!
- Top it off with chopped walnuts. This adds a lovely crunch!
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
- Let it cool for a bit before serving. This will help everything set just right!
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll create a warm, comforting dessert that’s sure to impress!
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry apple dump cake truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, if you want to switch things up, try using spiced cake mix instead of yellow for an extra flavor boost. You can also mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness.
Pay attention to baking time—every oven is a bit different. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes; you want the top to be golden and bubbly but not burnt! If you find it browning too quickly, just cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
And don’t skip the ice cream or whipped cream on top when serving! It creates a delightful contrast to the warm, fruity cake. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious cranberry apple dump cake, let’s talk about serving it up! I highly recommend enjoying it warm, straight from the oven, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture perfectly balances the fruity, warm cake, and oh boy, it’s heavenly!
If you want to get a little fancy, you can drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with hot beverages too—think a cozy cup of spiced cider or even a rich coffee to really make those flavors pop. And if you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a slice of pumpkin pie for a delightful dessert spread at your next gathering. Trust me, your guests will be raving!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your cranberry apple dump cake, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per slice (serving size):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
Keep in mind, these values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy this tasty treat in moderation, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
FAQ About Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
I know you might have some questions about this delicious cranberry apple dump cake, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re set to bake.
What if I don’t have walnuts? No worries! You can swap them out for pecans, almonds, or even leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free dessert.
Can I use other fruits? Definitely! Feel free to mix in some pears or even blueberries for a fun twist. Just keep the balance of flavors in mind!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently in the microwave or oven!
Can I freeze this dump cake? Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating for the best taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy days!
- Easy to make: With simple layering, there’s no complicated baking skills required.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dessert is always a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for parties or family get-togethers.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples is simply irresistible!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delightful cranberry apple dump cake, you might be wondering how to store those tasty leftovers. First, let it cool completely! Once cooled, transfer any remaining cake to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well to keep that deliciousness intact!
Now, when it’s time to indulge again, reheating is a breeze. You can pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until it’s warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes—this way, it’ll regain that lovely golden texture. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot! Enjoy every last bite of your scrumptious creation!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this cranberry apple dump cake! Have you tried making it? What did you think? Please leave a comment below and share your experiences or any fun twists you added to the recipe. If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to share this delightful treat on your social media—your friends will thank you! And if you’re feeling generous, a quick rating would mean the world to me. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see how your cakes turn out!
Print
Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: 5 Simple Steps to Blissful Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert combining cranberries and apples.
Ingredients
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly in a baking dish.
- Add diced apples on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apples.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Top with chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Use fresh or canned apples.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry apple dump cake
