The sweet aroma of baked fruit mingling with a buttery crumble creates an irresistible allure that draws everyone to the kitchen. When you take that first spoonful of Cranberry Dump Cake, the warm, tart fruit pairs beautifully with the rich topping, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. spiced pear dump cake.
Let’s be honest, there’s something magical about desserts that come together with minimal effort. This delightful Cranberry Dump Cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, where you can impress guests without breaking a sweat. eggnog cheesecake cake Just think about it: one pan, a few ingredients, and voila—dessert is served! For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Its tart flavor profile balances sweetness and acidity, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- The beautiful red hue adds visual appeal to any table setting.
- It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round—from Thanksgiving to summer picnics!
Ingredients for Cranberry Dump Cake
For more inspiration, check out this Healthy Oat Crepes recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Cranberries: Opt for whole berry cranberry sauce for a chunkier texture and richer flavor.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A box mix works wonders here—just pick your favorite brand for convenience.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates that deliciously crispy topping; don’t skip this step!
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor; feel free to leave them out if you prefer a nut-free dessert.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps create that golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will keep everything from sticking—and trust me, nobody wants a stuck cake disaster!
Step 3: Spread the Cranberries
Open the cans of cranberry sauce and evenly spread them across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula if necessary; you want every corner covered in that tangy goodness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next up, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cranberries. Don’t mix it in; just let it sit there like it’s sunbathing on the beach!
Step 5: Drizzle Butter
Now comes the fun part—melt your unsalted butter and drizzle it over the top of the cake mix. You want it to cover as much of the dry mix as possible for optimal crispiness.
Step 6: Add Nuts (optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous or just really love nuts, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunchy texture.
Finally, pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Transfer to plates while still warm and watch as everyone dives in headfirst—spoons at the ready!
This scrumptious Cranberry Dump Cake will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of flavors is sure to bring smiles all around not just from filling bellies but also from reliving those cherished moments spent together over dessert!
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry dump cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a simple dessert that brings everyone together.
- With minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping treat that pairs perfectly with ice cream or whipped cream.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your cranberry dump cake, start by preheating the oven. While it warms up, prepare your baking dish and mix together the ingredients. Then, layer them in order to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to get creative with this cranberry dump cake! Swap out cranberries for blueberries or cherries, sprinkle in some nuts for crunch, or add a dash of cinnamon for warmth. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through while maintaining its delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your cranberry dump cake, remember that fresh cranberries yield a tart flavor while canned ones are sweeter.
- Always check expiration dates on baking powder for fluffiness.
- Lastly, let it cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Sometimes, I whip up this cranberry dump cake when friends come over. Their smiles and satisfied mmm’s remind me why I love cooking—it’s all about sharing joy through food!
FAQs :
What is a Cranberry Dump Cake?
A Cranberry Dump Cake is a simple dessert that combines fresh or canned cranberries with a cake mix, creating a delicious and easy-to-make treat. This recipe typically involves layering the ingredients in a baking dish and allowing them to bake until bubbly. candy cane cookies The result is a warm, comforting cake with a sweet and tart flavor profile, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave something sweet without much effort.
How do I store leftover Cranberry Dump Cake?
To store leftover Cranberry Dump Cake, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Can I use other fruits in my dump cake?
Yes! While cranberry is a popular choice for dump cakes, you can use other fruits like blueberries, cherries, or peaches. Just replace the cranberries with your favorite fruit and adjust the sugar according to its sweetness. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its versatility; feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations to create your own signature dessert.
Is Cranberry Dump Cake suitable for special diets?
Cranberry Dump Cake can be adapted for various dietary needs. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients are compliant. Additionally, you can substitute sugar with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking for lower-sugar options. Always check ingredient labels to accommodate specific dietary restrictions when preparing this delicious dessert.
Conclusion for Cranberry Dump Cake :
Cranberry Dump Cake is an effortless yet delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with a sweet cake topping. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you crave something comforting and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe allows for creativity by incorporating different fruits as well. chocolate cherry dump cake Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while impressing your guests!
Cranberry Dump Cake
Cranberry Dump Cake is a delightful and effortless dessert that combines the tartness of canned cranberries with a sweet, buttery cake mix topping. This one-pan wonder bakes to a golden-brown finish, making it an ideal treat for holiday festivities or cozy gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this cake delivers stunning flavor and visual appeal, sure to impress your guests. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cranberries without mixing.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- If desired, add chopped nuts on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 83g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg




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