Simple Christmas Dump Cake

I first discovered dump cakes at my aunt’s house during the holidays when I was a kid. She’d throw everything into a pan, pop it in the oven, and somehow end up with this amazing dessert. I remember being confused – where was all the measuring and mixing?

That’s the beauty of a Christmas dump cake – it’s literally impossible to mess up. While my other holiday desserts sometimes turn into kitchen disasters, this recipe has saved me more times than I can count. Just layer, dump, and bake. It’s the perfect backup plan when you need something sweet but don’t have the energy for anything complicated.

What Kind of Apple Pie Filling Should I Use?

When it comes to apple pie filling for this dump cake, you’ve got quite a few options at the grocery store. Most brands like Lucky Leaf, Duncan Hines, or store brands will work perfectly fine – they all contain similar pre-cooked apple slices in a sweet cinnamon sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even make your own filling using fresh apples, though the canned version is what makes this recipe truly “dump and go” easy. For the best results, look for a filling where the apple slices are still firm rather than mushy, and check that cinnamon is listed in the ingredients since it pairs so nicely with the cranberry sauce.

Options for Substitutions

This easy dump cake is pretty forgiving and allows for several substitutions:

• Apple pie filling: You can swap the apple pie filling with cherry, peach, or mixed berry pie filling. Fresh fruit won’t work as well here since you need the syrup from the canned filling to help create the right texture.
• Cranberry sauce: If you’re not a fan of cranberries or can’t find them, try using a can of crushed pineapple (drained) or another can of pie filling. Just keep in mind this might make the cake a bit sweeter.
• Cinnamon crumb cake mix: Regular yellow cake mix works great too – just add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to it. You could also use spice cake mix or butter cake mix for different flavor variations.
• Unsalted butter: Salted butter is fine to use – just expect a slightly saltier taste. You can also use margarine, though butter gives the best flavor. Coconut oil is another option if you don’t mind a slight coconut taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest mistake when making dump cake is pouring the melted butter unevenly, which can lead to dry, powdery patches of cake mix on top – take your time to drizzle the butter slowly and thoroughly across the entire surface.

Another common error is stirring the layers together, but the magic of a dump cake comes from keeping the ingredients in distinct layers, so resist the urge to mix them up.

The edges of dump cakes can burn easily, so check your cake about 10 minutes before the recommended baking time and cover the edges with foil if they’re browning too quickly.

For the best texture, make sure your fruit layer is spread evenly on the bottom of the pan before adding the cake mix, and don’t forget to let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving – this allows the fruit filling to set slightly and makes it easier to portion.

What to Serve With Christmas Dump Cake?

This warm, fruity dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into all those cozy apple-cranberry flavors. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. For a special holiday touch, I like to serve mugs of hot coffee or spiced apple cider alongside – they complement the cake’s warm, cozy flavors perfectly. You can also dress up individual servings with a small candy cane or mint sprig for that extra Christmas charm.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Once your Christmas dump cake has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, but I prefer storing it in the fridge where it stays good for up to 5 days. The fruit filling helps keep it nice and moist!

Freeze: This cake is perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season! Cut it into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Warm Up: To enjoy your stored dump cake, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you’re heating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top while it’s still warm – so good!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	45-50 minutes
Total Time	55-65 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2000-2200
• Protein: 8-12 g
• Fat: 100-120 g
• Carbohydrates: 280-310 g

Ingredients

• 2 cans apple pie filling
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 box cinnamon crumb cake mix
• 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350º Fahrenheit.

While the oven is heating up, pour the apple pie filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it is spread out evenly.

Then, spoon the cranberry sauce on top of the apple pie filling, evenly distributing it over the surface.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a large bowl, combine the Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake mix with the cinnamon sugar topping.

Add the melted butter to the mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly texture.

The crumble should have a consistent texture that allows it to be easily spread over the fruit layer.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Dessert

Drizzle the prepared crumble mixture over the layers of fruit in the baking dish, ensuring an even coverage for a uniformly crispy top.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

The dessert is ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

This delightful dessert can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your warm, scrumptious apple and cranberry crumble!