Imagine a dessert so effortless yet so incredibly delicious that it'll make you look like a baking genius with minimal effort! This Cranberry Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate "set it and forget it" dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of cherries and cranberries with a buttery, golden cake topping. Perfect for busy home bakers, holiday gatherings, or when you need a quick dessert that'll impress everyone without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Open the can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a smooth first layer.
- Next, carefully open the can of cranberry sauce and gently spread it over the cherry pie filling, creating a second distinct layer. Use a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Take the yellow cake mix and sprinkle it uniformly over the fruit layers, covering the entire surface completely. Avoid mixing the layers - let them remain distinct.
- Slowly pour the melted unsalted butter over the dry cake mix, ensuring it covers as much of the surface as possible. The butter will help the cake mix absorb moisture and create a golden, crispy top.
- If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly across the top of the cake mix for added texture and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- For the most even baking, use a light-colored metal baking dish that helps distribute heat uniformly.
- Don't mix the layers! The beauty of a dump cake is in its distinct fruit and cake layers, so sprinkle the cake mix gently over the fruit without stirring.
- Use room temperature butter for easier melting and more even distribution across the cake mix.
- For extra richness, consider using salted butter or adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Check the cake around the 40-minute mark. Ovens vary, so you want a golden-brown top without burning.
- Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the fruit layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a gourmet touch, try toasting the nuts before sprinkling them on top to bring out their deeper flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven to restore the crispy top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg
