Ah, the holidays! There’s something magical about the smell of sweet treats wafting through the air, and my *Christmas Dump Cake* is the star of my holiday dessert table. This simple yet oh-so-festive dessert layers cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple beneath a buttery cake crust, topped with crunchy pecans. It’s a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum festive cheer! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this for family gatherings, and each time, it disappears faster than I can say “Merry Christmas!” Trust me, it’s the kind of dessert that everyone raves about, and you’ll feel like a superstar chef without breaking a sweat. Perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings, it’s a sweet hug in a pan that’s sure to warm your heart and home!
Ingredients for Christmas Dump Cake
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
How to Prepare Christmas Dump Cake
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! Set it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your delicious creation is ready to go in. Trust me, the smell of baking cake is something you don’t want to miss!
Layer the Ingredients
Now, grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and let’s start layering! Begin by spreading the cherry pie filling evenly on the bottom—this fruity layer is simply divine! Next, layer the drained crushed pineapple right on top of the cherries; it adds a lovely sweetness. Then, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit—don’t worry about mixing it in, just let it sit there like a cozy blanket. Finally, top it all off with the chopped pecans, which give it that wonderful crunch!
Baking Instructions
Now it’s time to bake! Slide your masterpiece into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. Just peek in through the oven door, and you’ll see those delicious juices bubbling up around the edges—oh, it’s a sight to behold!
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes—if you can wait that long! This cake is best served warm, so scoop it into bowls and top it with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s pure holiday bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Minimal cleanup since it’s all made in one dish.
- Delicious warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings—everyone will rave about it!
- Versatile—you can mix and match fruits to suit your taste!
- It’s a festive dessert that adds a pop of color to your table.
- Great for making ahead of time—just reheat and serve!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Christmas Dump Cake* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your canned fruits are fresh and within date. It makes a difference in flavor!
- Don’t overmix: When you sprinkle the cake mix on top, resist the urge to mix it in! Just let it sit and do its magic in the oven.
- Check for doneness: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it! Look for that beautiful golden brown color and bubbling around the edges.
- Let it cool slightly: While it’s tempting to dive right in, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the layers settle and makes for easier serving.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick, or top it with some chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Reheating tips: If you’re serving leftovers, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it back up. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of the holiday dessert table! Everyone will be asking for your secret recipe, and you can just smile and say, “It’s my little holiday magic!”
Variations of Christmas Dump Cake
Now, let’s talk about how to make this *Christmas Dump Cake* your own! The beauty of this dessert is that it’s super versatile, and you can easily switch things up based on your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try out:
- Berry Blast: Swap the cherry pie filling for a mix of blueberries and raspberries. It adds a beautiful color and a tart twist that’s just heavenly!
- Peachy Keen: Use canned peach slices instead of cherries. The sweetness of the peaches pairs so well with the pineapple!
- Apple Cinnamon: Layer sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of the fruit filling for a cozy fall flavor. You can even add a bit of brown sugar for extra sweetness!
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the fruit layer before adding the cake mix. Who doesn’t love a chocolatey twist? You can even sprinkle chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence!
- Nutty Delight: Instead of pecans, try using walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. You could also mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical vibe!
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for a sweet, gooey addition that will have everyone swooning!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own festive masterpiece. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! This *Christmas Dump Cake* is just as delicious the next day, and I’ve got you covered on how to store it right. First, let it cool completely before you tuck it away. This helps prevent that dreaded sogginess!
Once it’s cooled, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer the cake to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice (or two!), just pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up. If you want to serve it warm with that gooey, comforting texture, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot. Serve it warm, and enjoy that delightful combination of flavors all over again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up! The nutritional information provided for this *Christmas Dump Cake* is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, if you’re counting calories or watching your sugar intake, it’s always a good idea to double-check the packaging. Enjoy this delightful dessert in moderation, and remember, the joy of the holidays is all about balance and indulgence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh fruit, but keep in mind that you’ll need to cook it down a bit to mimic the consistency of canned fruit. Fresh cherries or pineapples work great, just be sure to add some sugar to sweeten them up a bit!
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This *Christmas Dump Cake* is perfect for making ahead. Just assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. It’ll save you time on busy holiday days!
What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries at all! If you don’t have pecans on hand, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it before serving.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Great question! Your *Christmas Dump Cake* is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Just peek in through the oven door for that lovely sight! If you press down gently in the center, it should feel firm but not too soft. Happy baking!
Christmas Dump Cake: 7 Irresistible Festive Twists
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and festive dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple, 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 on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the crushed pineapple over the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit.
- Top with chopped pecans.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- Feel free to mix berries for a different flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 50 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: christmas dump cake, dessert, festive cake, holiday dessert
