When I first stumbled upon this cranberry apple dump cake recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple yet utterly delicious it was! It’s one of those magical desserts that makes you feel like a culinary wizard without all the fuss. I remember making this for a family gathering, and watching everyone’s eyes light up with every bite was just the best! The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples, and it all comes together with that golden, buttery topping. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for every occasion!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
- 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce
- 2 cups diced apples (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness!)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional, but they add a nice crunch!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go! It makes the process so much smoother and fun. Oh, and if you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to skip them or substitute with pecans for a different flavor twist. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get started! This recipe is as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering cranberry apple dump cake in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it gets your cake baking evenly right from the start. No one wants a cake that’s raw in the middle, right? So, set that temperature and let it work its magic while you prep your ingredients!
Layering Ingredients
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and start by spreading the cranberry sauce evenly on the bottom. Make sure it covers the whole surface—this will be the flavorful base. Next, sprinkle those diced apples generously on top of the cranberry sauce. I like to make sure I have an even layer of apples so every bite is packed with that sweet-tart goodness.
Adding Cake Mix and Butter
Now, here comes the fun part! Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples. Don’t worry about mixing it—just let it sit on top. Next, drizzle that melted butter over the cake mix. This step is crucial for getting that crispy, golden topping we all love. I like to use a back-and-forth motion to ensure every bit of cake mix gets a buttery hug!
Baking Process
Pop your baking dish 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. If you poke it with a toothpick, it should come out clean. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the smell will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
- Deliciously combines the tartness of cranberries with sweet apples
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Comforting and satisfying, ideal for cozy nights in
- Beautifully golden and crunchy topping that makes it irresistible
This cranberry apple dump cake is sure to become a favorite in your home—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To make your cranberry apple dump cake truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is melted but not too hot, or it could cook the cake mix slightly. Also, don’t skip the greasing step on your baking dish—it’ll save you from sticky situations later! If you want a sweeter cake, feel free to add a sprinkle of sugar over the apples before layering. And remember, letting it cool for a bit before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy every delicious bite, and happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
This cranberry apple dump cake is absolutely delightful on its own, but why not take it to the next level? I love serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—talk about a match made in dessert heaven! You could also drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of sweetness. And if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon can really elevate the flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries, this cranberry apple dump cake stores beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to warm it up. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat it in short bursts to avoid overheating. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it tastes even after a couple of days!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers—nutrition values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. For each serving of this cranberry apple dump cake, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
So there you have it! Enjoy this delicious treat without a worry in the world—just remember, moderation is key!
FAQ About Cranberry Apple Dump Cake
Got questions about this scrumptious cranberry apple dump cake? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned? Absolutely! Just make sure to sweeten them a bit since they’re more tart. A little sugar or honey works wonders.
What if I don’t have walnuts? No problem! You can either skip them entirely or swap them for pecans, almonds, or even oats for a different texture.
Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! You can prep it a day ahead and bake it just before serving. It’s even better when the flavors have had time to mingle!
How can I make this gluten-free? Simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix, and you’re all set!
If you have more questions, feel free to ask! Enjoy baking this delightful treat!
Imprimer
Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Temps Total: 65 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious dessert made with cranberries and apples.
Ingrédients
- 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 in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add diced apples on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Top with chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- 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: 320
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: cranberry apple dump cake
