Cranberry Dump Cake is like that surprise party your taste buds never knew they needed. Imagine a warm, gooey, and slightly tart dessert that dances on your palate with every mouthful. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you drooling before it even makes it to the oven. Understand our site’s policies This cake is not just food; it’s an experience, reminiscent of cozy fall evenings with friends, where laughter flows as freely as the pumpkin spice lattes.
This delightful dish brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert. There’s something magical about watching the layers meld together in a beautiful mess of flavors and textures. Picture this: the rich scent of cranberries mingling with buttery cake mix fills the air, teasing your senses and building anticipation for the incredible flavor explosion that’s about to unfold.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a hit for both novice and seasoned bakers.
- Its unique combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion.
- Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients for Cranberry Dump Cake
For more inspiration, check out this Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Cranberries: Use one can of whole-berry cranberry sauce for that sweet-tart flavor we adore.
- Cake Mix: A simple yellow or white cake mix serves as the base; no fancy recipes needed here!
- Butter: You’ll need one stick of unsalted butter to drizzle on top for that crispy golden finish.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add some crunch and depth; feel free to add them if you like.
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
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Learn about my baking philosophy
Step 2: Spread the Cranberries
Open your can of cranberry sauce and spread it evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure every inch is covered no one likes dry spots!
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle your cake mix over the layer of cranberries. No mixing necessary here; just let those dry ingredients work their magic!
Step 4: Add Butter
Melt your stick of butter (or not who am I to judge?) and drizzle it generously over the cake mix. Feel free to get fancy and arrange some chopped nuts on top if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step 5: Bake Away
Pop that masterpiece into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until it’s bubbly on the edges and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (if you can resist). Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream it’s simply divine!
And there you have it the easiest dessert ever made! Serve this delightful Cranberry Dump Cake at your next gathering, or just keep it all to yourself (we won’t tell). It’s perfect for any occasion from Thanksgiving feasts to casual weeknight dinners. Now go ahead, grab those ingredients, and whip up something magical! For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- This delectable cranberry dump cake is not just a treat; it’s a lifesaver for those busy days.
- With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for sweet indulgence!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate cranberry dump cake, start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish. Combine the cranberries with sugar and layer them at the bottom, followed by dry cake mix on top. Pour melted butter evenly over everything and bake until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your cranberry dump cake! Swap cranberries for blueberries or cherries if you like. Add nuts for crunch or sprinkle some cinnamon for extra warmth. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick 30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for better flavor and texture; they’ll give your dump cake a delightful tartness.
- Don’t skip the butter; it adds richness and moisture that makes every bite heavenly.
- Consider serving with vanilla ice cream it takes this dessert to another level!
Sometimes I serve this cranberry dump cake at family gatherings, and you wouldn’t believe how quickly it disappears everyone fights over the last piece!
FAQs
What is a Cranberry Dump Cake?
A Cranberry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines fresh or canned cranberries with a cake mix. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease; you essentially “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish without the need for complex mixing or layering. Get in touch for recipe suggestions The result is a warm, fruity dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Serving it with whipped cream or ice cream elevates the experience, making it a crowd-pleaser.
How do I make my Cranberry Dump Cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Cranberry Dump Cake, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. Using fresh cranberries instead of canned ones can provide a brighter, more vibrant taste. Additionally, drizzling some orange juice over the cranberries before adding the cake mix can give it a refreshing citrus twist.
Can I substitute ingredients in my Cranberry Dump Cake?
Yes, you can easily customize your Cranberry Dump Cake by substituting certain ingredients. For instance, if you prefer gluten-free options, use gluten-free cake mix. You can also replace cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or cherries to create variations of this dessert. However, be mindful that different fruits may alter the baking time slightly.
How should I store leftover Cranberry Dump Cake?
Store any leftover Cranberry Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through for optimal taste and texture.
Conclusion for Cranberry Dump Cake
Cranberry Dump Cake is an effortless yet delightful dessert that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of cake mix. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but is also customizable, allowing you to tailor flavors to your preferences. Explore more dessert recipes Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed cold from the fridge, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t forget to explore variations with different fruits and spices for even more delicious options!
Cranberry Dump Cake
Cranberry Dump Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that effortlessly combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery cake mix. This easy-to-make treat requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and watch it disappear in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the cranberries without mixing.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Add chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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