Make Magic With This Simple Christmas Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and joy fill the kitchen when you make this Christmas dump cake recipe that brings festive cheer to every gathering.

The magic happens with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Layers of rich, buttery cake mingle with seasonal fruit and warm spices.

Comfort and simplicity merge in this delightful dessert that takes less than an hour to prepare.

Seasonal flavors burst through each tender, moist bite.

Guests will marvel at the delectable treat that seems like you spent hours baking.

This recipe promises to become a cherished holiday tradition that everyone will request year after year.

Why Dump Cake Is a Christmas Favorite

• No advanced baking techniques needed – just dump, spread, and bake, making it a foolproof dessert for anyone from kitchen newbies to seasoned home bakers.
• Combines classic holiday flavors like apple and cranberry with a cinnamon swirl cake mix, creating a dessert that screams Christmas cheer in every single bite.
• Delivers warm, gooey goodness that brings family and friends together, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Everything in a Christmas Dump Cake

• Apple Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and soft foundation for the cake with classic holiday flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tart and festive element to complement the apple base.

• Cinnamon Swirl Cake Mix: Creates the cake's tender texture and brings warm holiday spice.
• Cinnamon Sugar Packet: Enhances the cake's sweetness and adds extra warmth to the dessert.

• Melted Butter: Helps bind the cake mix together and creates a rich, golden crust.

Steps to Layer and Bake Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F to ensure it’s warm and ready for baking.

Getting this done early prevents last-minute scrambling during the holiday cooking frenzy.

Step 2: Layer Fruit Base

In a 9×13 baking dish, spread out the apple pie filling evenly.

Top the apple filling with cranberry sauce, allowing the dollops to rest naturally without mixing.

The baking process will blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare Cake Mixture

• Cinnamon swirl cake mix
• Included cinnamon sugar packet
• Melted butter

Stir until the mixture resembles crumbly, moist sand.

If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more melted butter to achieve the right consistency.

Step 4: Create Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the fruit layer.

Don’t stress about perfect coverage – those uneven bits will create delightful crispy textures during baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles around the edges.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with festive holiday warmth.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the dump cake to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven.

This brief cooling period helps the filling set and prevents potential mouth burns.

Serve and enjoy the delicious holiday treat.

Helpful Tips for Dump Cake Success

• Gently tap the baking dish on the counter before adding the cake mix to help distribute the apple pie filling and cranberry sauce evenly.
• Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor that enhances the cinnamon swirl cake mix's taste and creates a more luxurious texture.
• Sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the crumb mixture for extra crunch and a festive holiday touch.
• Pair the warm dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the warm, spicy flavors.
• Cover leftover cake with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat.

Storing and Reheating Christmas Dump Cake

• Store leftover Christmas dump cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Leave at room temperature for only 2 hours maximum. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a cake carrier to protect from dust and insects.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier top, use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.

What to Pair with Christmas Dump Cake

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, spicy cake with its rich sweetness.
• Serve Hot Mulled Wine: A festive, aromatic wine with cinnamon and clove notes complements the cake's holiday flavor profile.
• Match Whipped Cream Topping: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds an extra layer of decadence and cuts through the cake's dense texture.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: A golden, buttery caramel sauce enhances the cake's fruity and cinnamon undertones, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Flavor Spins on the Classic Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Holiday Delight: Swap the cinnamon swirl cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add extra cinnamon for a warm, festive flavor.
• Vegan Winter Treat: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute cranberry sauce with a homemade fruit compote made from fresh or frozen berries.
• Nutty Christmas Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the crumb topping before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of texture to the traditional dump cake.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Option: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce and a reduced-sugar cake mix. Consider adding unsweetened apple pie filling to cut down on overall sweetness while maintaining the holiday flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the cinnamon swirl cake mix with yellow or white cake mix. Just add some ground cinnamon to maintain the warm, holiday flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! This dump cake is super easy and requires minimal measuring. Kids can help pour ingredients and spread the crumb topping, making it a fun family baking activity.

• How do I know if the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling fruit edges. Insert a toothpick near the center – if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dump cake a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate, then reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its warm, fresh-baked texture.

Christmas Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Christmas Dump Cake brings festive cheer to holiday tables with minimal effort. Rich layers of sweet cherries, pineapple, and buttery cake crumbles promise pure comfort and delightful celebration you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans apple pie filling
• 1 can cranberry sauce whole berry
• 1 box cinnamon swirl crumb cake mix

Butter:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring the temperature is consistent for optimal baking results.
2. Pour apple pie filling into a 9×13 baking dish, creating an even base layer across the bottom of the pan.
3. Strategically distribute cranberry sauce over the apple pie filling, allowing the fruit layers to remain distinct.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cinnamon swirl cake mix with the included cinnamon sugar packet, creating a uniform dry mixture.
5. Incorporate melted butter into the cake mix, stirring until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly sand with slight moisture.
6. Gently sprinkle the crumb mixture across the fruit layers, allowing for an uneven, rustic top that will crisp during baking.
7. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling fruit edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the filling to stabilize and prevent potential burns when serving.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy this festive dessert.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty undertones.
• Control sweetness levels by using reduced-sugar cranberry sauce or adjusting the amount of cinnamon sugar packet for more personalized taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg