Get ready to experience the ultimate dessert that's so easy, it'll make you question everything you know about baking! Our Cranberry Apple Dump Cake is the secret weapon for home bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine a dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the warm comfort of apples, and a golden, buttery cake top - all created with just a few simple steps and zero complicated techniques. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro looking for a quick crowd-pleaser, this dump cake will become your new go-to dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 2 cups sliced apples
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dump cake will bake evenly and thoroughly.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the can of cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to make sure it covers the entire surface.
- Next, layer the sliced apples over the cranberry sauce. Distribute the apples evenly to ensure every bite has a good mix of flavors.
- In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the cinnamon throughout the cake mix.
- Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly over the apples and cranberry sauce. Do not stir; just spread it out as evenly as possible.
- Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover the entire surface, as this will help create a golden crust as it bakes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Tips
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Make sure to distribute the melted butter evenly to ensure a crispy, golden top.
- Don't stir the layers - the magic of a dump cake is in its distinct, unmixed layers.
- For extra richness, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Check the cake around 40 minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set and make cutting easier.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
