Christmas Dump Cake Recipe

There’s something about the holidays that just begs for easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, and this Christmas Dump Cake is exactly that. It’s the dessert equivalent of curling up under a cozy blanket with twinkling lights glowing in the background. The warm spices, tart cranberries, and sweet apples come together under a buttery, cinnamon-swirled topping that smells like Christmas morning. Oh, and did I mention? You don’t even need a mixer—just a baking dish and a spoon. If you’re craving a no-fuss dessert that feels fancy but is ridiculously simple to make, this one’s for you.

this RECIPE

Memories of Christmas mornings and cozy scents

This recipe takes me back to snowy Christmas mornings at my grandmother’s house. She was known for her desserts, and while she loved to bake from scratch, she also had a stash of recipes for when she didn’t have the time (or energy) to spend hours in the kitchen. Her dump cakes were legendary, and I remember the way the warm fruit filling bubbled at the edges, releasing a spicy, sweet aroma that filled the house. The first time I made this version with apple pie filling and cranberry sauce, it immediately transported me back to those moments. It’s that kind of nostalgia in a bite.

A quick dive into dump cake history

Dump cakes aren’t just a modern shortcut—they’ve been a staple of American home kitchens for decades, especially during the 1960s when convenience foods became all the rage. The concept is simple: “dump” your ingredients in a dish, bake, and voilà—a dessert that tastes far more complex than the effort it requires. While the original dump cakes often leaned heavily on canned fruits and boxed cake mixes, creative bakers have elevated the idea over the years. This Christmas version is a perfect example, with its festive cranberry-apple filling and spiced crumb topping. It’s a nod to tradition, but with a little extra holiday magic.

Let’s talk ingredients: why each one matters

Apple pie filling

The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples form the base of this dessert. They balance the tartness of the cranberries perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap in homemade apple filling or even use a mix of pears and apples for a twist. Just be sure the filling you use isn’t overly runny—thicker is better here.

Cranberry sauce

Whole berry cranberry sauce is the unsung hero of this dish. Its tartness cuts through the sweetness of the cake mix and apple filling, giving you a perfectly balanced bite. Can’t find it? You can make your own by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice.

Cinnamon swirl crumb cake mix

This boxed mix is the secret weapon for the crumbly, spiced topping. If you can’t find the cinnamon swirl variety, a regular yellow cake mix with an added teaspoon of ground cinnamon will work, though the cinnamon-sugar packet really makes it special.

Butter

Melted butter brings the crumb topping together and ensures it bakes up golden and crisp. Unsalted butter is ideal, but if you only have salted butter, just skip adding any extra salt to the mix. And don’t skimp—this isn’t the time for margarine.

What you’ll need in the kitchen

This recipe is delightfully minimalist when it comes to equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13 inch baking dish: A glass or ceramic dish works perfectly for even baking.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining the cake mix, cinnamon sugar, and butter. No need for anything fancy here.
• Spoon or spatula: Just something to stir the topping and spread it over the fruit.
• Measuring cup: For melting and measuring your butter.

If you don’t have a 9×13 pan, don’t worry—you can split the recipe into two smaller dishes or even use a deep pie pan. Just keep an eye on the bake time since smaller dishes might cook faster.

Step-by-step: How to make this Christmas dump cake

1. Preheat your oven

First, set your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. This step is a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget when you’re juggling holiday chaos. Been there.

2. Layer the fruit

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and pour in the apple pie filling. Spread it out evenly with a spoon so every bite has that gooey apple goodness. Next, dollop the cranberry sauce on top. You don’t need to mix them together; the oven will do that magic for you.

3. Mix the crumb topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon swirl cake mix with the included cinnamon sugar packet. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly—think wet sand, but much tastier. If the mix seems too dry, add a splash of melted butter.

4. Assemble the cake

Drizzle the crumb mixture evenly over the fruit layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; those uneven bits will crisp up beautifully.

5. Bake to golden perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream at this point.

6. Cool and serve

Let the dump cake cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set up a bit and prevents any burned tongues—trust me on this one.

Variations and festive twists to try

• Vegan version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a vegan cake mix. Easy and just as delicious.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix, and double-check that your pie filling and cranberry sauce are gluten-free too.
• Nutty topping: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Spiced upgrade: Mix a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom into the cake mix for a more complex spice profile.
• Summer vibe: Swap cranberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries to create a summer-inspired version.

I’ve tried most of these myself, and the nutty topping is hands-down my favorite twist. The crunch adds so much texture!

How to serve and garnish your Christmas dump cake

For a picture-perfect presentation, serve this dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or crushed gingerbread cookies on top. Hosting a party? Serve it straight from the dish with a small pitcher of caramel sauce on the side—guests can drizzle to their heart’s content.

Pair it with the perfect holiday drink

This dessert is begging for a warm beverage alongside it. I love pairing it with a spiced chai latte or a classic hot cocoa with whipped cream. For the adults, a glass of mulled wine or even a light, crisp Prosecco works wonderfully. The tart cranberries in the cake pair especially well with sparkling wines.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have any leftovers (rare, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Pro tip: Add a fresh scoop of ice cream to bring back that just-baked magic.

Adjusting for smaller or larger servings

This recipe is super easy to scale up or down. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 pan. For a larger group, double everything and use two 9×13 dishes. Just make sure to keep the fruit-to-topping ratio about the same, and you’re good to go.

Troubleshooting tips for common issues

• Too dry? Check your butter measurement. The topping needs enough butter to become crumbly.
• Fruit layer too runny? Let the cake cool a bit longer before serving, as the filling thickens as it sits.
• Burnt topping? Make sure your oven isn’t running hot and cover the dish with foil halfway through baking if needed.

Wrap up: A holiday tradition in the making

This Christmas Dump Cake is the dessert equivalent of holiday cheer: easy, warm, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Whether you make it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy the process (and the delicious results). Happy holidays, and happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes! Peel, core, and slice fresh apples, then toss them with sugar and cinnamon before layering them in the dish.

2. Do I have to use cranberry sauce?
Nope. You can swap it for cherry pie filling or skip it entirely, though the tartness is part of what makes this recipe shine.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. Why didn’t my topping get golden?
It’s likely that there wasn’t enough butter. Next time, make sure the crumb mix is well-coated and evenly distributed.

5. What’s the best way to transport this to a party?
Bake it in a disposable foil pan for easy transport and reheating. Just cover it tightly with foil while traveling.

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