Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• cup unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
• cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Evenly spread the apple pie filling over the bottom of the prepared pan. Then, top with the whole berry cranberry sauce.

Step 3: Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering as much as possible.

Step 4: Place the butter slices over the cake mix, making sure to distribute them as evenly as you can.

Step 5: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the butter.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Allow the dish to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 353
• Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (29% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 21mg (7% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 267mg (12% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 54g (20% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 3g (5% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 58mg (4% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 76mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake is an incredibly easy and delicious dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and the richness of cake mix, all in one pan. Its a classic example of a "dump cake," a term used for desserts that require minimal preparationingredients are simply "dumped" into a pan and baked. This cake is perfect for those who need a quick and satisfying treat, especially during the holiday season.

History and Origins

The dump cake is a staple in American home baking, particularly in the Southern United States. The origin of the dump cake dates back to the 1980s when it became popular due to its simple preparation and the availability of boxed cake mixes. The "dump" method made it a perfect dessert for busy families and beginner bakers alike. The Cranberry-Apple variation, though not as old as the classic version, quickly gained traction due to the seasonal appeal of cranberries and apples, ingredients often associated with fall and winter holidays.

Regional Variations

While the dump cake is widespread across the United States, different regions enjoy their own unique twists on the dessert. In the Northeast, where cranberries are abundant, the Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake is particularly popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas. On the West Coast, people often add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch. Some might even substitute the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix to enhance the fall flavors. These variations reflect the versatility of dump cakes, allowing them to cater to different tastes and regional ingredients.

How It's Different From Similar Desserts

Unlike traditional cakes or pies that require layers of batter and fillings, the Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake is made with a simple technique. The ingredientscanned apple pie filling, cranberry sauce, cake mix, butter, and walnutsare layered in a baking dish without any mixing. This makes it significantly easier to prepare, as theres no need for any specialized baking skills. The result is a crumbly, buttery top layer with a gooey, fruit-filled center. Compared to other fruit-based desserts like cobblers or crisps, dump cakes have a more structured and cakey texture, which many find comforting and satisfying.

Where Is It Typically Served?

The Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake is often served during festive occasions, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family gatherings. Its bright, fruity flavor and warm, comforting texture make it a great addition to any holiday meal. Its commonly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement its sweetness and provide a cool contrast to the warm cake. Additionally, its an excellent choice for potlucks and casual get-togethers, where its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors are sure to impress.

Fun Facts About the Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake

• Despite its name, the "dump" in dump cake refers to the way the ingredients are assembled, not the taste! The result is a delicious and effortless dessert.
• The combination of cranberries and apples is a nod to classic fall and winter flavors, making this cake a holiday favorite.
• Its believed that the rise of the dump cake was fueled by the popularity of processed ingredients like canned fruits and boxed cake mixes, which allowed home bakers to prepare desserts quickly without compromising on taste.
• Though it may look like a pie or cobbler, the dump cake is distinct because it has a cakey layer on top, which differentiates it from other fruit desserts.

FAQ about Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake Recipe

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