Easy Cranberry Dump Cake Recipe – A 5-Minute Delight

Imagine a dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of cake, and the ease of throwing everything into one dish. That’s right! The Cranberry Dump Cake is here to tantalize your taste buds while requiring minimal effort. Cranberry Chipotle Sliders Just picture it: a warm, bubbling, fruity delight straight from the oven, with a golden-brown crust teasing you with every whiff that fills your kitchen. If you’re ready for a dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious, keep reading!

This delightful concoction has a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made this for Thanksgiving—my relatives were skeptical until they took their first bite. Suddenly, everyone was trying to figure out how many servings they could sneak back for later! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor and nostalgia in every forkful.

Ingredients for Cranberry Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or canned cranberry sauce; either works perfectly to bring that tangy sweetness.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A box mix is ideal for this recipe; it’s light and fluffy, creating that perfect texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create a golden top layer; don’t skimp here!
• Chopped Walnuts (optional): For those who love a bit of crunch, walnuts add texture and nutty flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the warm flavors and makes your kitchen smell divine.

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). Grab your favorite baking dish (a 9×13 inch works like a charm) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Spread the Cranberry Sauce

Open up that can or jar of cranberry sauce—no judgment here if you’re using store-bought—and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Grab your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it generously over the layer of cranberry sauce. Don’t stir—this isn’t a science experiment; we want layers!

Step 4: Drizzle with Butter

Melt your unsalted butter in the microwave or stove. Once melted, drizzle it evenly over the cake mix layer. Feel free to get fancy and swirl it around slightly!

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

If you’re feeling adventurous and want some crunchiness in there, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top along with a dash of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake Away

Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when you see bubbly edges—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent! Transfer to plates and prepare for compliments galore as everyone digs in.

Now that you have mastered this easy-peasy yet utterly satisfying Cranberry Dump Cake recipe, go ahead and make it for any occasion—or just because Tuesday needs some sweetness! For more inspiration, check out this ultimate comfort food recipe recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and layer the cranberry filling at the bottom. Top it with cake mix, then drizzle melted butter over everything. Bake until golden brown and bubbling for the best results!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cranberry dump cake by swapping in different fruits like blueberries or peaches. You can also add nuts for crunch or sprinkle cinnamon for extra warmth. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions for a quick treat.

A memorable moment was when I served this cranberry dump cake at a family gathering, and everyone raved about how delicious it was! It felt amazing to see my loved ones enjoying something so simple yet delightful together.

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 and other ingredients. This easy-to-make dish requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy cooks. The cake mix creates a delightful crust while the cranberries provide a tart contrast, resulting in a deliciously sweet and tangy dessert. Often topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this dish is a favorite during fall and winter holidays. For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe recipe.

How do you make Cranberry Dump Cake from scratch?

To make Cranberry Dump Cake from scratch, start by preparing the cranberry filling using fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a bit of orange zest for flavor. Spread this mixture in a greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle your favorite cake mix over the cranberries without stirring. Finally, pour melted butter over the top to create a crispy layer as it bakes. Following these steps results in a homemade version that’s just as easy and delicious as the traditional method.

Can I use other fruits in my Cranberry Dump Cake?

Yes! While cranberries are the star of this dump cake recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Mixing different fruits can provide unique flavor combinations and enhance the overall taste of your cake. If using sweeter fruits, consider adjusting the sugar content to balance flavors. This flexibility allows you to create variations that suit your personal preferences or seasonal availability.

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. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slightly in the oven for optimal taste and texture.

Conclusion for Cranberry Dump Cake:

Cranberry Dump Cake is an incredibly easy dessert that brings together tart cranberries and a buttery cake mix topping. This delightful recipe requires minimal effort while delivering impressive flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Whether you stick with cranberries or explore other fruit options, this versatile dessert is sure to please your guests. Cranberry Fluff Salad Festive Cranberry Jello Salad With proper storage methods, you can enjoy leftovers without losing any deliciousness. So go ahead and whip up this crowd-pleaser at your next event!