Cranberry Apple Dump Cake: A Festive Fall Dessert

Fall is the season for cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, delicious desserts featuring apples and cranberries! If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive treat to bake this autumn, look no further than the Cranberry Apple Dump Cake. This recipe is incredibly simple, requires minimal effort, and delivers a mouthwatering combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery, golden-brown topping. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or simply a comforting weeknight treat.

## What is a Dump Cake?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what a “dump cake” actually is. As the name suggests, a dump cake involves simply “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish, without the need for mixing or elaborate techniques. It’s the ultimate lazy baker’s dream! Typically, dump cakes consist of a fruit base, a dry cake mix sprinkled on top, and melted butter drizzled over everything. The oven does the rest, transforming these simple ingredients into a moist, flavorful, and satisfying dessert.

## Why This Cranberry Apple Dump Cake is Special

This Cranberry Apple Dump Cake takes the classic dump cake concept and elevates it with the bright, tart flavors of cranberries and the comforting sweetness of apples. The combination is truly delightful, offering a balance of sweet and tangy that’s perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

* **Effortless:** It literally takes minutes to prepare. No mixing bowls or fancy equipment required!
* **Delicious:** The combination of cranberries, apples, and buttery cake is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the recipe with different fruits, spices, or toppings.
* **Perfect for Holidays:** It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive occasion.
* **Minimal Clean-up:** Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy the dessert!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing Cranberry Apple Dump Cake:

* **2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling:** This forms the base of the cake. Choose a good quality apple pie filling for the best flavor.
* **1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries:** Cranberries add a tart and tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the apples. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them.
* **1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix:** This provides the structure and sweetness of the cake. You can also use a white cake mix or spice cake mix for different flavor variations.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted:** The melted butter is essential for creating the moist and golden-brown topping. Use real butter for the best flavor.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the cake, complementing the apples and cranberries perfectly.
* **Optional toppings:** Chopped pecans or walnuts, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the Cranberry Apple Dump Cake! Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result.

**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking throughout the cake.
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to serve.

**Step 2: Create the Fruit Base**

* Pour both cans of apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly over the bottom of the dish.
* Sprinkle the cranberries evenly over the apple pie filling. Try to distribute them evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.

**Step 3: Add the Cake Mix**

* In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and ground cinnamon. This ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the cake mix.
* Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly over the cranberries and apple pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the fruit layer. Try to avoid large clumps of cake mix.

**Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter**

* Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. It’s important to distribute the butter as evenly as possible to ensure the cake mix is properly moistened and bakes to a golden-brown perfection. You can use a spoon or fork to help spread the butter if needed.

**Step 5: Bake the Cake**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
* To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. However, dump cakes are naturally moist, so a few moist crumbs are okay.

**Step 6: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set slightly and prevents it from being too gooey.
* Serve warm, with your favorite toppings, such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make this Cranberry Apple Dump Cake even more delicious and personalized:

* **Use Different Fruits:** Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as peaches, blueberries, or cherries. You can also use a combination of fruits for a more complex flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add other spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice, for a warmer and more festive flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake mix before drizzling with butter for added texture and flavor.
* **Use Different Cake Mixes:** Try using a white cake mix, spice cake mix, or even a chocolate cake mix for different flavor combinations.
* **Add a Streusel Topping:** For an even more decadent topping, mix together flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon to create a streusel topping. Sprinkle it over the cake mix before drizzling with butter.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake mix or use a sugar-free cake mix.
* **Add Zest:** A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest added to the apple filling gives a little zing.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option if you’re short on time.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Apple Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** The classic pairing of warm cake and cold ice cream is always a winner.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and lightness.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** A dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a warm and festive touch.
* **Warm Custard:** A creamy warm custard enhances the apple and cranberry flavor.

## Make it a Complete Fall Feast

Cranberry Apple Dump Cake is a delightful conclusion to any fall meal. Consider serving it after a hearty Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy autumn supper. Here are some menu ideas:

* **Thanksgiving Dinner:** Serve it after roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
* **Cozy Autumn Supper:** Pair it with roasted chicken, butternut squash soup, and a side of cranberry sauce.
* **Holiday Brunch:** Enjoy it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad for a festive holiday brunch.

## Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for a few seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature.

## Recipe Card: Cranberry Apple Dump Cake

**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (21 ounce) cans apple pie filling
* 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Optional toppings: Chopped pecans or walnuts, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pour apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cranberries evenly over the apple pie filling.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cake mix mixture evenly over the cranberries and apple pie filling.
4. Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
7. Serve warm, with your favorite toppings.

## Conclusion

The Cranberry Apple Dump Cake is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a truly unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall! This dump cake is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Happy Baking!